State apology urged over thalidomide as survivors meet Taoiseach and Tánaiste

Mary Clarken (left), her daughter Sharon (right) and other members of the Irish Thalidomide Association meet with Mr Harris and Taoiseach Micheál Martin on Wednesday. File picture: RTÉ

A 96-year-old woman whose daughter was harmed by thalidomide has called for a long-overdue State apology as survivors prepare to meet the Taoiseach and Tánaiste again on Wednesday.

Mary Clarken urged the Government: “Everybody knows that healing can only properly begin with an apology. Even 60 years of trauma can be erased by a heartfelt 'we're sorry'.”