Tánaiste 'would like' apology over Thalidomide in 2026

2026 the year to resolve outstanding issues for Thalidomide survivors, says Tánaiste

Updated / Sunday, 8 Nov 2026 14:34

Tánaiste Simon Harris has said he stands over his comments that 2026 has to be the year when the Government finally resolves the outstanding issues facing thalidomide survivors, including a State apology.

Thalidomide was prescribed to pregnant mothers in the 1950s and 1960s as an anti-morning sickness drug, but was later withdrawn because of links to birth defects and lifelong disabilities.

The German manufacturer apologised in 2012 to those born without limbs as a result of its use.

In February, Mr Harris told RTÉ's This Week that he and Taoiseach Micheál Martin were "personally and intimately involved in this situation".

Speaking today, he said: "We're working in good faith to try and resolve this issue. And yes, I really would like to see that apology issued this year."

The Tánaiste said there have been "a number of areas where progress has been made".

However, he added: "What we're endeavouring to do here is to resolve all the outstanding issues. The view was always to try and resolve the outstanding issues and then have the apology."

Mr Harris said he and Mr Martin have had " numerous meetings with the Thalidomide Association and their representatives", adding a further meeting is due this month.

"I'm a believer though that the apology really matters to people, that there's people out in this country, parents, older parents, who really want to hear the words on the floor of Dáil Éireann that they did nothing wrong - because they did nothing wrong," he said.

Mr Harris said he has spoken to parents who are growing older, who really want to hear this apology, adding "these people have waited such a long time".

"I really want to see this being the year," he said.

"What I said on your programme in February remains my position here in November," he added.

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Read: Mothers 'forgotten victims' of Thalidomide - campaigner

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