Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022
1675. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the cost of legal fees following legal proceedings being taken against his Department (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39808/22]
View answer1681. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the cost of litigation involving the victims of thalidomide to date; the anticipated future costs; the expected completion of this litigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39868/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1675 and 1681 together.
The litigation between the parties is being case-managed by a judge of the High Court and there are two other defendants in addition to the Minister for Health.
The State Claims Agency (SCA) has advised that it has paid €2,015,961 in relation to Thalidomide mass action claims against the Department of Health. This figure is as of 30th June 2022.
The sum of €2,015,961 relates to all payments made to the plaintiffs and their solicitor firm; payments made to experts; and payments made in respect of the plaintiffs' and the Department's legal costs, to include the costs of documentary counsel.
It is not possible to estimate the future costs nor the expected completion date of the litigation.
