Thalidomide survivors urge Government to deliver long-awaited State apology and fair resolution

Members of the Irish Thalidomide Association, from left: Donal Browne, Sandra Dunne, Finola Cassidy, Austin O'Carroll, and Sharon Clarken at Government Buildings, Dublin, ahead of their meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

It is up to the current Government now to show it can do better by thalidomide survivors and families than previous governments, the Irish Thalidomide Association (ITA) has said after meeting the Taoiseach.

A group of survivors and family members met Michéal Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris on Thursday.

It follows months of frustration among association members, who say they are still waiting for a State apology despite a resolution process opening in 2024. 

Thalidomide was prescribed to pregnant women in the late 1950s and early 1960s to stop morning sickness. However, it caused severe birth defects in thousands of babies worldwide.

On behalf of the group, ITA spokeswoman Finola Cassidy said that the Taoiseach and Tánaiste made “good progress” on understanding some reasons behind that impasse.

“I think we were very frank with each other,” she said.

“We are going to meet again in one month. During this month, there will be — we hope — meaningful engagement.

“All issues need to be addressed, the issue of the apology too. People will know Mary Clarken, who is 95 this year. She is still waiting for her apology. That is very real. We lost Jacqui Browne this year.” 

On behalf of the group, ITA spokeswoman Finola Cassidy said that the Taoiseach and Tánaiste made 'good progress' on understanding some reasons behind that impasse. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

Survivor and advocate Jacqui Browne died at home in Fenit, Co Kerry, in June. Her brother Donal attended the meeting on Thursday.

Peggy Murphy, aged 95 from White’s Cross in Cork, died in April without hearing an apology. Her son Martin is in his 60s now, with his life impacted by the medication.

The ITA also raised concerns about 12 people whose thalidomide diagnosis has not yet been recognised.

“They have been left out in the cold, and the process needs to be seriously advanced with them,” Ms Cassidy said. 

“We don’t agree with the State’s opinion on that, but we will work on it.” 

Overall, she said the group felt "it is up to Micheál Martin and Simon Harris now to show that the State is better than how it has handled this tragedy before".

The ITA wants a fair resolution which acknowledges the State’s role in this tragedy and secures long-term care and justice for all survivors.

The meeting on Thursday follows months of frustration among association members, who say they are still waiting for a State apology despite a resolution process opening in 2024. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

The process continues under facilitator Paul Gilligan, a retired judge of the Court of Appeal. He has met survivors, and he will make recommendations on ex gratia payments. Ms Cassidy turned 64 this week.

“We are an ever-diminishing group of survivors, and only a few of our mothers remain,” she warned.

In a statement, the Taoiseach’s department said that "a pathway for people who have not yet had their injuries affirmed as caused by the thalidomide drug is being completed”. 

It said people seeking acknowledgement or who intend to do so will receive discretionary medical cards.

Mr Martin and Mr Harris “agreed to meet with members of the board next month as Judge Gilligan continues his work,” the statement said.