TAOISEACH MICHEÁL MARTIN has refused to say whether a State apology will be given to thalidomide survivors this year, ahead of a meeting with representative groups tonight.

The Irish Thalidomide Association will meet with the Taoiseach and Tánaiste Simon Harris at 7.30pm in Government buildings.

One of the group’s key asks is for a State apology, something Simon Harris has 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It was internationally withdrawn in 1961 after it was found to cause severe birth defects, but it remained on sale in Ireland until the following year.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.

Speaking 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”.

“We’re hoping for a lot of progress. We had a good meeting on the last occasion, so I’m hoping out of tonight’s meeting that we can have a clear roadmap for having all issues resolved,” the Taoiseach said. 

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

It’s understood, however, that he is aligned with the view articulated recently by the Tánaiste Simon Harris. 

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 tonight’s meeting, thalidomide mother, Mary Clarken, now in her 96th year, said she is 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.”