LAST UPDATE | 25 Feb

THE GOVERNMENT HAS committed to making a State apology to thalidomide survivors “as soon as possible”.

Earlier today, the Taoiseach refused to say whether such an apology would be given, but a “constructive” meeting with a representative group tonight confirmed it would.

One of the key asks of the Irish Thalidomide Association was a State apology, something Simon Harris, who also attended the meeting, previously said “has to” happen this year.

Thalidomide was prescribed to pregnant mothers in the 1950s and 1960s as an anti-morning sickness drug.

It was internationally withdrawn in 1961 after it was found to cause severe birth defects, but it remained on sale in Ireland until the following year.

In 2012, the German manufacturer apologised to those born without limbs as a result of its use.

In a statement this evening, a government spokesperson said: “The meeting was 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 .”

Speaking earlier today, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said it is “complex” to try to get all of the issues impacting survivors resolved, and he acknowledged that this has caused “a lot of frustration”.

Asked specifically if there will be a State apology this year, the Taoiseach refused to say anything further ahead of the meeting. 

Earlier this month, Harris said that he and the Taoiseach are “personally and intimately involved” in relation to resolving the issue. 

“I want us to get to a point where a State apology can be issued, but I know that we want to do that as part of resolving a number of issues,” he told RTÉ.

He added: “This has to be the year when we bring some degree of closure to people who have been treated so badly.”

Mary Clarken Virgin Media Virgin Media

Speaking ahead of the meeting, thalidomide mother, Mary Clarken, now in her 96th year, said she was still hoping that the apology will happen.

In a statement, the Irish Thalidomide Association said: “In years of research, we now know the misogynistic and deliberate decision taken by the Irish State not to credit Irish women in the 1960′s with the ability to make the right choices for themselves and their families.

“The Irish State took the deliberate decision; don’t alert them of dangers, lest they get hysterical about what their innocent actions may lead to. Better indeed to allow them to live with a lifetime of unfounded guilt.”