Taoiseach to meet thalidomide survivors as calls for State apology intensify

Six decades after thalidomide caused catastrophic birth defects, survivors seek a formal State apology and appropriate redress

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that he and Simon Harris met the Irish Thalidomide Association twice in the last quarter of 2025 and that 'these were constructive meetings' where 'several complex issues were raised'.

The Taoiseach says he will meet with thalidomide survivors amid growing calls for a State apology this year.

Survivors' groups are hoping that 2026 is the year they receive a State apology, with Tánaiste Simon Harris on Sunday saying that this year "has to be" the year in which an apology comes.