Survivors of the thalidomide drug scandal will be offered a formal State apology.
A commitment to a State apology was given to representatives of the Irish Thalidomide Association (ITA) following a meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris on Wednesday night.
There are about 40 thalidomide survivors in Ireland.
Thalidomide was a drug developed in the 1950s as a sedative or a tranquilliser that was promoted to treat morning sickness during pregnancy.
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It was withdrawn from most markets in 1961 following widespread evidence it was linked to birth defects. Many children were born without limbs or with shortened limbs, hearing and vision impairment and injuries to internal organs.
However, the drug was sold in Ireland until 1964.
Speaking before the meeting on Wednesday, the association’s spokeswoman Finola Cassidy had said that “no one else should die without an apology”.
The meeting was described afterwards by a Government spokesman as “constructive and focused on resolving the various issues raised by the ITA”.
“There was a collective agreement to address issues speedily.
“The Government reaffirmed our commitment to a State apology at the conclusion of the process, which they sincerely believe can be concluded as soon as possible with everyone working together.”
In a statement issued late on Wednesday, the ITA said the meeting with the two leaders was constructive and focused on resolving the various issues it had raised.
“There was a collective agreement to address issues speedily,” it said.
“We have sought and received the Government commitment to a State apology at the conclusion of the process, which we expect should be concluded as soon as possible with everyone working together.
“The Irish Thalidomide Association are committed to receiving justice and more importantly closure for our members. The process has lasted six long decades. It should be remembered that justice delayed is justice denied. We deserve closure even after this late stage.”
