asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that he was contacted by a company (details supplied) regarding the Dalkon Shield Inter-Uterine Device, informing him that users of this device who have suffered adverse side-effects as a result of use of the shield are entitled to claim compensation but that they must apply by 30 April 1986; and if he intends to act on the matter.
Written Answers. - Compensation Concerning Contraceptive Device.
81.
A.H. Robins Company Limited wrote to me on 3 January and informed me that the US Federal Courts had established 30 April 1986 as the final closing date for the filing of claims against the company in respect of any alleged injury arising from use of the particular intra uterine contraceptive device known as the Dalkon Shield. This device was withdrawn from the market more than ten years ago.
A.H. Robins Company Limited had been directed by the American Courts to conduct an international campaign to advise women, who might wish to pursue a claim for compensation, to make an appropriate application to the US Courts by 30 April 1986 and to notify women of the procedures in this regard. The company carried out an extensive public information campaign in relation to this matter in January of this year. This campaign involved the issue of comprehensive information packs to the public media here including the national press houses. The campaign generated an informed newspaper and broadcast coverage of this issue. The Irish Medical Organisation and other key medical bodies were also contacted by the company.
I am quite satisfied that the publicity campaign undertaken by the company in this country provided an extensive level of coverage, It must be emphasised that this particular issue relates solely to forms of legal redress and the public notification of procedures to be adopted in initiating a claim for compensation in the US Courts.
The Department of Health has no function in the matter.