Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 May 2010
170 Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps to be taken by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare, with significant disabilities, to establish if they are a victim of the Thalidomide drug; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21532/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing a meeting with the Irish Thalidomide Association in 2008, Minister Harney referred five individuals, who were not included in the 1975 Compensation Scheme for thalidomide survivors, to an independent, recognised international expert, Dr. Peter Kohler of Stockholm in Sweden, for a clinical assessment of their condition. Dr. Kohler determined that one of the five individuals was a victim of thalidomide exposure. The Department is not currently considering any further claims in relation to thalidomide. However, it is open to any individual who believes themselves to be a victim of thalidomide, to forward detailed documentary evidence to the German Agency which administers compensation to those determined as victims of the drug, for consideration of their case.
