The Irish Thalidomide Association (ITA) is insisting on a formal apology from the Government, stating that the letter sent to them last week contained no such sentiment. ITA members conveyed their disappointment with last week’s announcement by the Coalition leadership, arguing that expressions of sympathy do not substitute a real apology.
Finola Cassidy, a spokeswoman for the ITA, voiced their disgruntlement by saying, “So much that matters to our members wasn’t acknowledged in the letter. The word ‘apology’ is nowhere to be found in it. Even sympathy and vague regret don’t amount to an apology. This explains why we’re immensely upset.”
During the mid-1950s, Thalidomide was initially intended to combat morning sickness. However, by 1961 it was mostly removed from sale due to the emerging proof that it resulted in birth defects. Despite this, it remained available in Ireland until 1964.
Last week, Taoiseach Simon Harris, Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman made an announcement after a Cabinet meeting. They confirmed a bolstered support package for the remaining survivors.
According to the ITA, the State owes the survivors an apology for reasons such as not withdrawing the drug in 1961, lack of proper regulatory oversight compared to other countries, and not fulfilling a promised healthcare package in 1975.
Cassidy said, “We’ve been campaigning for 15 years and all we ask for is fairness. We need the Government to listen. The support plan announced last week is another false promise, similar to those made to our parents in the ’60s and ’70s.”
Sharon Clarken, an ITA member who champions the interests of overseas mothers and survivors, declares: “We demand a sincere and official apology from the government of Ireland for the past injustices. The present arrangement is frivolous. How beneficial is a complimentary bus ticket, really?”
Debate between government officials and ITA members has been underway since the previous April. However, according to the group, progression has been unfruitful. “They need to hear our voices. Ignoring our unappreciated survivors in the apology is hardly making amends. We are deeply perturbed by the disregard for our uncelebrated members,” divulged Ms Cassidy.