Survivors of thalidomide drug dismiss compo plan

THALIDOMIDE survivors have expressed disappointment at the terms of a new €2m-plus compensation package announced last night by the Government.

The Irish Thalidomide Association (ITA), representing Irish survivors of the controversial drug, said the financial package appeared “derisory”.

Survivors were also upset at the failure of the Government to offer an apology for the state’s past decision to allow thalidomide to remain on the Irish market for seven months after it was known to cause birth defects.

However, ITA spokeswoman Finola Cassidy said the group welcomed the review of health services for its members.

Health Minister Mary Harney said a €2m compensation payment combined with improved social supports and health services represented a “fair and compassionate” offer of a commitment made by the Government in 1975 that the future needs of survivors would be met.

The offer includes a once-off payment of €62,500 to each of the 32 remaining thalidomide survivors as well as an annual lump sum of up to €3,680 for the most severe cases.

Thalidomide survivors in Ireland currently receive monthly payments ranging from €371 to €1,116 from a German foundation established to compensate victims of the drug made by German pharmaceutical firm, Chemie Grunenthal. Survivors also receive a monthly allowance worth between €515 and €1,109 from the Department of Health.

The German government has also recently awarded an additional payment ranging from €460 to €3,680 per annum.

Announcing details of the scheme last night, Ms Harney said survivors will also receive special care packages following individual assessments by an independent expert, while the HSE will separately assess the group’s ongoing health and social service needs.

Survivors will also automatically qualify for the Disabled Drivers’ Scheme which allows for VAT refunds on the cost of vehicles, fuel, tolls and any modifications and the Motorised Transport Grant.

Ms Harney said the offer was based on the recommendations of a report by the State Claims Agency which the Government commissioned at the request of survivor groups.

The minister said the Government’s decision to provide additional financial assistance and other services reflected their sympathy for the 32 thalidomide survivors and their families.

Ms Harney expressed hope that the offer would be accepted as “a fair and compassionate measure”.

However, she said the Attorney General, Paul Gallagher, had concurred with the view of his predecessor in 1975 that the state has no legal obligation to thalidomide survivors arising out of the injuries they suffered from the controversial drug.

Department of Health officials pointed out that Irish survivors already receive combined annual tax-free payments of between €26,000 and €30,368, while they are also automatically entitled to a medical card. They also received a once-off payment from the Government in 1975 worth up to €21,000.

Last night, the ITA said survivors do not feel the offer was fair after 35 years. Ms Cassidy also call- ed for the release of any state archives covering the thalidomide controversy.