Survivors of the thalidomide morning sickness drug which caused significant side effects in newborn babies in the 1950s and 1960s have met for several hours to discuss their response to this week's Government statement on the issue.
The group is now expected to publicly outline their concerns in a statement by Monday morning, which is expected to call for a full State apology, a compensation scheme they consider fair, and statutory rights to any additional supports.
In a joint statement on Tuesday, Taoiseach Simon Harris, Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Minister for Children Roderic O'Gorman said they wanted to "express sympathy with the survivors and families" of thalidomide.
The three coalition leaders also said they were "sorry for all you have endured", and outlined a number of supports including free travel passes as well as "enhanced" health, social care and independent living supports.
The Government statement also said this was not the end of the process, and that officials are happy to meet with thalidomide survivors again.
However, it was noted at the time that the Irish Thalidomide Association, which represents the majority of thalidomide survivors in Ireland, did not formally respond to the Government statement on Tuesday.
RTÉ News understands that the Irish Thalidomide Association and its members are disappointed with Tuesday's Government statement, and in particular what they say is a lack of the word "apologise" in the statement.
The group held a lengthy online meeting of its members today to outline its response, and was expected to release a statement on the issue tonight.
Due to the length of the meeting, that statement will now be published this weekend or on Monday.
However, sources have confirmed the group will still call for a formal State apology to thalidomide survivors and their families; an enhanced health, social care and independent living supports to be put on a statutory footing' a 'fair compensation scheme'; and for 12 people the group says are thalidomide survivors to be recognised and acknowledged by the State.
Around 4,000 thalidomide survivors, many of whom are in their 60s and older, are alive worldwide, including around 40 in Ireland.
Currently, Ireland acknowledges 28 of the 40 thalidomide survivors, with the Irish Thalidomide Association saying the remaining 12 also need to be included in any plans.
