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

Yesterday, the Minister for Health said he would love to see talks resume with thalidomide survivors. There has not been engagement by the Government with the survivors for a year. It is more than 60 years since the withdrawal of the drug from the market. Thalidomide survivors need justice. They have called for a State apology and a proper compensation package. I have raised their situation many times in the Dáil. The Government is full of soothing words but it is failing to take action. Last December, the Australian Government issued a state apology. Why will the Government not reignite a swift resolution process and give thalidomide survivors a date by which the process will be recommenced? Why has the support for Irish survivors of thalidomide Bill, which was listed in the spring legislative programme, apparently been dropped from the summer legislative programme published in April? Is the Government no longer preparing that Bill? Are we seeing a further delay in any meaningful engagement with thalidomide survivors, who have been waiting so long for justice?

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