Thalidomide survivors hope meeting will ‘shift dial’ on resolution process

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

Thalidomide survivors are hoping that a meeting with the Taoiseach and Tánaiste will result in “a shift in the dial” for the thalidomide resolution process.

Thalidomide was prescribed to pregnant mothers in the 1950s and 1960s as an anti-morning sickness drug, but was later pulled because of links to birth defects and lifelong disabilities.

The German manufacturer of the drug apologised in 2012 to those born without limbs as a result of its use.

Last year, then-taoiseach Simon Harris announced an enhanced health package for survivors, including simplified access to local health and social care professionals, access to clinical and holistic therapies, independent living supports to include housing adaptions, car adaptations and home supports, annual health assessments and free travel passes.

We have sought this meeting for many, many months to try and address the total impasse and the lack of proper engagement, and some very broken promises

It also set up a thalidomide resolution process, led by retired judge Paul Gilligan.

Thalidomide campaigners have claimed that the process, which is confidential, has stalled and have sought a meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Mr Harris, who is now Tánaiste.

“We have sought this meeting for many, many months to try and address the total impasse and the lack of proper engagement, and some very broken promises,” said Finola Cassidy of the Irish Thalidomide Association (ITA).

“We’re hoping that today will be actually a shift in the dial and we can actually move on here. So hopefully we will have some very good indications of meaningful progress coming out of this.”

She added: “After 60 years, it is far beyond time for the state to take full responsibility for its role and deliver justice for survivors.”

There are some 40 survivors of thalidomide in Ireland.

Among those who attended Government Buildings on Thursday was Donal Browne, the brother of Jacqui Browne, a campaigner and sailor who died in June.