facts about thalidomide

1. Thalidomide The Irish Experience

2. BRIEF HISTORY Thalidomide preparations in the form of tablets, syrup, suspension, capsules, drops and suppositories, marketed under different brand names, sold in Ireland between 1958 & 1962, by Messrs T.P. Whelehan, Son & Company Ltd. The preparations sold through pharmacies as “over-the-counter” medicines. For a period of time it was also prescribed by general practitioners.

3. BRIEF HISTORY The Irish redress review board ultimately accepted Thirty-four children as survivors of Thalidomide. Department of Health and Children currently claim, “thirty-one Thalidomide survivors are receiving Pensions”. Correspondence from Dr. Victoria Coffey sent 23rd March 1963 by to the Department of Health and subsequently on October 12th 1964 to Prof. Lenz, Germany). Stated, “The number of babies in Ireland with limb anomalies considered attributable to the drug Thalidomide was 105. Of these, 87 were actually born alive but 23 died in the neonatal period. The remainder of 64 had malformations of varying severity”.

4. BRIEF HISTORY In May 1974, after a decade of intense lobbying by the parents of the Irish children, the Irish Government finally entered into a commitment of redress, the Irish government finalised their commitment with the statement, “as a matter of principle, to add to the compensation payable from the German compensation scheme to Irish Thalidomide survivors and their families”. Tánaiste and Minister for Health Mr. Brendan Corish on the 9th of January 1975: “to see that the children are provided with all the services and aids necessitated by their handicaps in order for them to lead as normal a life as possible” Thus, the Irish government agreed to follow a similar path to that of the German compensation scheme:

5. BRIEF HISTORY One of the key points of the health care agreement at the time was that the objectives of the commitment would meet pace over time with increasing money values and cater for the increasing essential services and aids necessitated by our disabilities. Thirty-five years on, we assert that the treatment we now receive is inadequate to keep the spirit of the aforementioned agreement. We feel that the commitment embodied in the agreement has not made recognition of our unique situation as Thalidomide survivors in Ireland. The support we receive from our Governments commitment of 1974, does not and has never addressed the ever-increasing needs for more facilities particularly given the infirmities that old age now brings on top of our already significant disabilities.

9. Irish monthly allowance for life, ranging between IR £31.75 to IR £75.00. (old Irish pounds)

11. A Health care package comprising of services and aids necessitated by our disabilities. To lead as normal a life as possible was promised.

14. WHERE WE ARE AT WITH OUR NEGATIONS Activities we are working on at the moment The Minister for Health and Children has now authorised access to the Department records associated with the Thalidomide Settlement of 1974. Which are now been looked over by our legal team. We are quite despondent with the Ministers expectations for us to accept a take it or leave Settlement, without provision of information or an in-depth symposium regarding the proposed elements of the Settlement, or timeframes for implementation. For now we will continue on the same path of talks with political pressure, possibly soft media pressure if necessary and legal representation.

15. Activities we are working on at the moment A multidisciplinary assessment/process to address the many other complex issues we suffer from is to be put in place. The time fame expected is December or early January next year, this time frame will have legal implications. We have requested further talks and in more detail on this and other matters regarding the proposed heath care and financial Settlement. So far, we have had a somewhat positive response. However, it still requires work. ITSS feel the proposed financial settlement in its present form, finds favour with those who are significantly less disabled. We will be urging the financial cost of reasonable normality/quality of life is higher to those with a more sever disability.

17. Department of Health and Children.

18. Revenue Commissioners.

19. Local councils if remodelling work is necessary. (This service is no longer available for the foreseeable future in most councils due to our present economic situation)

21. we can not contribute to the cost of appliances because of insurance. Therefore, it is the property of the HSE

22. We must wait 5 years before we can apply for a wheelchair again. we can only have one wheelchair at any given time.

23. Environmental control and home remodelling are provided by local councils and can only be granted once in a life time in each council. (if this service is available in your area).

26. Have the medical condition of dwarfism and serious difficulties of movement of the legs.

27. The pre-tax cost of adapting the vehicle must amount to at least 10% of its pre-tax cost.

29. Social activities: socialisation, visiting family and friends, helping with children, leisure activities, holidays and travel

30. Employment and education: assistance getting to work, assistance in the workplace or at college.

32. In the rural areas Most are trained as home care attendants & home helps for the elderly.

33. Assisted living/PA’S are provide by service provider organisation/charity’s

36. Long waiting lists also applies to most other types of mainstream therapies.

37. All alternative methods of therapy are not available on the medical card. These must be paid for privately.