Joan Collins
Ceist:543. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health when he plans to reschedule a meeting with an association (details supplied). [2978/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 25 January 2022
Ceisteanna (543)
Freagraí scríofa
The management of litigation against the State by certain acknowledged and unacknowledged Thalidomide survivors has been delegated to the State Claims Agency by virtue of S.I. No 405 of 2013.
I am advised that the aforementioned litigation is being case-managed by a judge of the High Court and matters are currently at discovery stage. In those circumstances, given the sub judice fact of the litigation, I am advised that it would not be appropriate for me to meet pending the resolution of the litigation and the matters arising therefrom.
However, I am anxious to assure thalidomide survivors of the Governments ongoing commitment to provide them with the necessary supports to meet their related needs. I have directed my office to set up a meeting with survivors of thalidomide, strictly without prejudice to the ongoing litigation, where I will listen to their needs and talk with them about the work underway to provide health and personal social service supports on an ex-gratia basis on a statutory footing, as committed to by the Government. However, as outlined above, matters which are before the High Court will not form part of the agenda for discussion.