I propose to take Questions Nos. 1138, 1141, 1176, 1182, 1183, 1191, 1214, 1215 and 1295 together.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to reopen discussions with Irish survivors of thalidomide. I met with both representative organisations in July 2011 and have been in correspondence since.
Given the challenges that persist for each individual, this Government's aim is to address the health and personal social care needs of thalidomide survivors living in Ireland. I have stated that I am willing to enter into discussions about a health care package on a non-statutory basis; an ex-gratia payment having regard to current financial circumstances; and a statement to the Dáil recognising the challenges faced by survivors.
The Irish Thalidomide Association announced publicly in 2012 that it had ceased talks with the Government. The Association's legal adviser has initiated personal injuries claims against the manufacturer and distributors of the Thalidomide drug and the State.
The Irish Thalidomide Survivors Society is seeking, amongst other things, an independent agency with ring-fenced funding to provide for a statutory package to provide for their needs including health and personal services, housing adaptations, heating, transport and clothing. I am not in a position to meet the demands of the Society. I would also point out that each Irish thalidomide survivor has a medical card and it is open to each individual to apply for the numerous public supports available to people with a disability provided by other Departments such as housing adaptation grants, disabled drivers tax concessions and disability allowance. However, I have asked the Society to consider, in good faith, proceeding with a Health Care Protocol which envisaged appointing and training a multi-disciplinary team, arranging a multi-disciplinary health evaluation, identifying and documenting their health care needs/issues and developing plans to address those needs. The Society are unwilling to proceed on that basis.
There are currently 32 Irish Thalidomide survivors. Each survivor received lump sum payments from a German Foundation and the Irish Government in the early 1970s. In 1975 the lump-sums paid by the Irish Government ranged from €6,400 to €21,000. In addition, each survivor receives on-going monthly payments from both the German Foundation and the Irish Government. Combining the Irish and German payments, most individuals receive over €2,500 per month, or €575 per week tax free.