Tánaiste Simon Harris has said 2026 "has to be the year" when the Government finally resolves the outstanding issues facing the Irish Thalidomide Association (ITA), including a State apology.
Asked on RTÉ Radio's This Week, the Tánaiste Simon Harris replied: "I really really hope so. Myself and the Taoiseach are personally and intimately involved in this situation."
He added: "We are trying to take personal charge of this situation, from the State side. I want us to get to a point where a State apology can be issued, but I know that we want to do that as part of resolving a number of issues."
The Tánaiste said: "Is it a question of moving ahead with the apology? Can we move sequentially on a number of issues at the same time? But this has to be the year when we bring some degree of closure to people who have been treated so badly."
Thalidomide was prescribed to pregnant mothers in the 1950s and 1960s as an anti-morning sickness drug, but was later pulled 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 a statement issued after the meeting, the Government said that Mr Martin and Mr Harris told the group "that the pathway for people who have not yet had their injuries affirmed as caused by the thalidomide drug is being completed".
It confirmed that Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill "has agreed to provide discretionary medical cards to unacknowledged thalidomide survivors" and "this will apply to individuals who are currently seeking acknowledgement, or those who intend to seek acknowledgement, as survivors of thalidomide through the State process".
Mr Martin and Mr Harris "also confirmed an enhanced package of services to all thalidomide survivors and agreed to meet with members of the board next month" as the resolution process continues its work.
In 2024, then-taoiseach Simon Harris announced an enhanced health package for survivors, including simplified access to local health and social care professionals, access to clinical and holistic therapies, independent living supports to include housing adaptations, car adaptations and home supports, annual health assessments and free travel passes.
A resolution process, led by retired judge Paul Gilligan, was also set up.
However, Thalidomide campaigners claim that this process, which is confidential, has stalled.
