Mr Justice Paul Gilligan, a High Court judge, is set to engage with survivors of Thalidomide as appointed by the Government, an announcement released after the recent Cabinet meeting stated. The survivors, who have battled for a heartfelt apology, monetary compensation, and support from the State for years, reacted positively to this development.
The expectation is that Mr Justice Gilligan will liaise with the survivors and then present a report of his findings to the Government. Thalidomide, a medication originally brought to market in the 1950s in Germany, was commonly prescribed for morning sickness in expecting mothers.
Despite global withdrawal of the drug in 1961 owing to strong links with congenital disabilities, it continued to be sold in Ireland until 1964. Word about the Judge’s forthcoming assignment was revealed just over a month post the meeting between the Irish Thalidomide Association (ITA) and top Government officials.
Asserting that Mr Justice Gilligan’s involvement could finally put their 63 years long crusade to rest, the ITA released a statement. The association recognised that this initiative signals a third attempt in nearly twenty years as past endeavours have failed to produce tangible change.
There seems to be a glimmer of hope with this development. The survivors hinted their hope for a just offer and deal on issues they have been rallying for. The group believes that this expectation is rational given the previous assurances proffered by the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister during the meeting with survivors.
Sadly, many survivors have passed away without getting closure. The association’s statement highlighted the urgency of resolving this issue as time is running out. This announcement comes on the heels of the recent passing of Thalidomide survivor and disability rights advocate Leigh Gath from Co Limerick.
The ITA informed that comprehensive redressal, including a public apology from the State, was promised during their meeting in July.
Following the meeting, Finola Cassidy, the spokesperson, expressed her view quite clearly stating, “It was unmistakable that both parties are keen to definitively resolve this six-decade-long saga. We won’t be lacking in our efforts, and as of today, it seems this is the approach the Government is also considering.”
The aforementioned discussion came on the heels of the ITA’s call for a sincere government apology in reaction to a letter that stopped short of issuing one. The coalition leaders’ statement had caused quite a stir, according to ITA, primarily due to the lack of an apology, leading to feelings of shock and distress.
In contrast, last November, Anthony Albanese, Australian Prime Minister, made a public apology to those in his country who had survived the Thalidomide scandal, bringing some form of solace to them and their families.