The Taoiseach has said a process to address the concerns of thalidomide survivors will be established next month.
Micheál Martin held a meeting with representatives of the Irish Thalidomide Association this morning, along with Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly.
Thalidomide is a chemical ingredient that was sold in Ireland from 1957 to alleviate morning sickness.
It was withdrawn internationally in 1961 after it was found to cause major birth defects.
Babies were born with shortened or no limbs and with painful damage to nerves, organs, hearing and eyesight.
There are 40 survivors in Ireland and 4,000 survivors worldwide.
Speaking this afternoon, Mr Martin told reporters that the process would begin on 1 December and that an independent chair would be appointed to oversee it.
Asked if he would like to conclude the matter before he became Tánaiste, he said that the Government was of one mind on the issue and that he would continue working on it after he stepped down as Taoiseach.
However, he added that the Government wanted to see these matters resolved.
The Irish Thalidomide Association described today's meeting as constructive.
Its spokesperson Finola Cassidy said that the survivors and their parents had fought for over 60 years for appropriate recognition.
Speaking afterwards, she explained that the group had a small number of demands.
They included a state apology and an appropriate compensation package to include provisions for medical expenses.
She said that the 40-member group had secured cross-party support, but that time was running out to act on this issue as survivors were getting older.
In a statement, the Department of Health confirmed that engagement will begin immediately with a view to establishing a process on 1 December to address the concerns of thalidomide survivors.
