CONTINUED FINANCIAL HELP FOR VICTIMS OF THALIDOMIDE

That this House is aware of the devastating effects that the drug thalidomide causedinits victims; understands that representatives of the Government recently met members of the National Advisory Council to the Thalidomide Trust and discussed future assistance to replace the healthgrantsufferers have received from the Department of Health during the period 2010-12 but that no further financial commitment was given; believes that both the moral case and evidence of need for such help is overwhelming; and urges the Government to act immediately to provide permanent financial assistance to all surviving thalidomiders for the rest of their lives.