Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 November 2022
161. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will provide further details regarding the proposed process to address thalidomide survivors’ longstanding concerns; the timeline that he is working towards; and if a chair will be appointed by 1 December 2022. [58447/22]
View answerThe Taoiseach and I had a constructive engagement with the Irish Thalidomide Association last Thursday, 17 November 2022.
Following a lengthy discussion, both sides agreed to enter into a process on a range of issues.
Engagement is underway on the format of that process, including the appointment of an independent chair, with a view to its commencement on 1 December 2022.
I want to assure survivors of thalidomide of the Government’s commitment to provide survivors with the necessary health and personal social service supports to meet their related needs. There is a designated senior manager in the Health Service Executive who liaises with Irish thalidomide survivors and on request assists them to access supports towards their ongoing health and personal social service needs.
