Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would like to raise the issue of the victims of thalidomide, the effect it has had on their lives and the fact that they have never received an apology or compensation from the State. This is one of the scandals that will eventually be dealt with, but the sad reality is that the community which has been affected is getting smaller and smaller all the time.

These are people who were born to women who took the drug during pregnancy. There are two tragedies. The first is the women who took the drug and the guilt they felt and still feel as a result of what happened to their children. The second tragedy is the thousands of lives that have been destroyed throughout the world and the people left with no compensation, apology or recognition. I call on the Acting Leader to organise a debate in the House with the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, so that, for once and for all, a pathway can be put in place for a State apology, compensation and access to proper medical supports such as medical cards and other supports which these people need.

These people are getting older. Some have died and many others are very unwell. We have a moral responsibility to deal with this issue. I commend the Scottish Administration which has addressed the issue. Let us be a leader and let Ireland be the next country to apologise and put the necessary supports in place.