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An overdue apology to thalidomide survivors

Sixty-five years since the truth about the drug became known - how long more must the Government wait?

Letters to the Editor. Illustration: Paul Scott
The Irish Times - Letters to the Editor.
Wed Sept 02 2026 - 06:00 • 1 MIN READ

Sir, – As a 65-year-old I always considered myself lucky that my mother hadn’t taken thalidomide while pregnant with me in 1961. She mentioned this many times to me during her long life.

Why can’t this Government at long last apologise for the lifelong damage done to these brave survivors who have fought so long for justice?

Justice for the physical and psychological effects inflicted not just from the drug prescribed but from the incompetence, ingrained paternalism and misogyny within government at the time?

Sixty-five years ... enough is enough. – Yours, etc,

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MADELEINE CLARKE,

Drogheda,

Co Meath.