Patricia Ryan (Kildare South, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Earlier this year, the Taoiseach said the survivors of thalidomide and their parents deserved an apology but he stopped short of giving that apology on behalf of the State. As he will be aware, the Australian Prime Minister apologised unreservedly last week. There are approximately 40 survivors of the drug, thalidomide, in Ireland. The Irish Thalidomide Association, ITA, said that 62 years is too long for full redress. Finola Cassidy of the ITA, a spokesperson and survivor, said: “We dare to dream Ireland will follow suit and allow us long overdue closure”. Are they going to get an apology and when are they going to get closure?

See this speech in context