Irish Thalidomide Association members meet Government leaders

An historic, emotional meeting took place at Government Buildings yesterday as Thalidomide survivors gathered to meet Taoiseach Simon Harris, Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Minister Roderic O’Gorman.

The Thalidomide tragedy in Ireland has been a political issue in Ireland for over 60 years.

The morning sickness drug was never properly withdrawn from the market in Ireland when the dangers of the drug were announced to the world.

Thalidomide caused catastrophic damage in utero and many babies did not survive pregnancy, birth or their early years.

Yesterday was the biggest gathering of Thalidomide survivors seen for many years.

Only forty Irish survivors are still alive and only five remaining Mothers who took the Thalidomide drug for morning sickness from the late 1950’s.

None of the Mothers, many now in their 90’s, were well enough to attend yesterday’s meeting.

Finola Cassidy, Spokesperson ITA, said both sides want full settlement.

“It was a very good and constructive engagement with survivors,” she said.

“Planning will commence immediately on the parameters for the negotiations.

“It was obvious that both sides want full and final settlement to the 60-year saga.

“We have agreed on a way forward, and we will sit down and negotiate the nuts and bolts of how best to proceed and what works for both sides.

“We have to engage with this process, but would be happy with the indicated direction that it is to go in.

“A negotiated settlement with political ownership was always the best way forward.”