Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach for his response but he might clarify when he will get back to the Irish Thalidomide Association. It has been waiting for a long time. It is very anxious, in particular, about the few mothers who are still left alive. They are owed an apology by the State and an acknowledgement of the wrong done to them because many mothers and women who had babies who were born with disabilities as a result of thalidomide are themselves feeling guilty. That is utterly unacceptable.

It is very clear, from the programme last night and what we know, that the State bears responsibility. The State bore a particular responsibility after the international withdrawal of the drug. That has never been formally acknowledged. We need to see an acknowledgement and apology and a decent, suitable and specific healthcare package and compensation offered. That has never been forthcoming from Government.

I ask that the Taoiseach, in the last few months in his role, seek to resolve this damage. Only a small number of survivors are involved in this. Finola Cassidy is such a powerful spokesperson for those individuals who have been done such wrong by the State and others. They were undoubtedly done wrong by the German manufacturer as well, but let us do what we can to put things right. I will renew my appeal for cross-party support for a motion and for the Government to step up and offer a decent package to thalidomide survivors.

See this speech in context