Survivors of thalidomide in Ireland have expressed their disappointment and hurt, stating that the recent declaration of regret by the government falls short of the apology they sought. Taoiseach Simon Harris, Tánaiste Micheál Martin, and Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman issued the statement following Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting where they announced an advanced package of aid for surviving victims.
Talks between the Government and thalidomide survivors started in April 2023, but have since broken down. Finola Cassidy, a member of the Irish Thalidomide Association (ITA), was hopeful that this issue was moving towards resolution for the remaining 40 survivors. However, she remarked that the government’s regret merely blaming the regulatory conditions of the period neither recognised their involvement nor their failure to withdraw the harmful drug promptly.
Introduced in the mid-50s to combat morning sickness, thalidomide was banned in most worldwide markets in 1961 due to widespread evidence of birth defects, but remained in Ireland until 1964. Cassidy maintained that the government of the time was reluctant for a rapid withdrawal, fearing it would impel expectant mothers to miscarry.
Cassidy criticised the current government’s inability to take responsibility for this disaster, despite having had discussions with many Cabinet members who recognised the State’s role in perpetuating this calamity. She voiced her disbelief at their attempt to exhibit regret and sympathy whilst cognisant of the impact this statement would have on the affected families and their legacy.
“Instead of addressing the issue, they proposed a sentence about offering us complementary bus passes. This proposal was simply astounding and incredibly poorly thought out,” she revealed. She further added that the members of the ITA were still deciding on the next steps after receiving all input from the participants.
She strongly implored the government to make the effort to comprehend their blatant mistake and reach out to them. As recommended by Ms Cassidy, the correct approach at this point would be for a public apology from the Dáil’s record, similar to the one presented by the Australian government.
She revealed, “Me, along with 22 others, have been in court since 2012. It’s extremely challenging that they are not making the effort to resolve our distress and end our turmoil. This is the legacy that they are bequeathing us.”