Chris Andrews (Dublin Bay South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach's predecessor, the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Deputy Micheál Martin, gave a commitment to open disclosure in the health services at the end of last year. This policy must also apply to Thalidomide survivors, who have been waiting on an apology for over 61 years. They deserve a just and fair deal to address their complex needs. The survivors need an apology, access to healthcare services and financial supports.

There are five mothers still alive and all they and their families want is an apology that makes it clear that this was not their fault. They did not create or cause Thalidomide.

In order to put some closure on this issue, survivors and mothers need to hear an apology. The Taoiseach has met - certainly Deputy Micheál Martin has met - with survivors and that is important. However, it has not led to any real action and a commitment for some justice and a fair deal and financial compensation.

Survivors are not getting any younger and it is increasingly important that the State issues an apology. The State has failed Thalidomide survivors. Only 40 survivors of Thalidomide are still alive and they are exhausted campaigning. Can the Taoiseach give a commitment to give them an apology, an apology which they deserve?

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