On "Prime Time" last night, Sharon Clarken spoke with extraordinary dignity about the life-long impact of thalidomide on survivors and their families. More than 64 years since the drug thalidomide was withdrawn, survivors are still waiting for justice from the State. Many are now in their 60s and 70s and are living with complex medical needs. Parents, in particular mothers who took thalidomide, have died waiting for closure. I think of survivors like the late Jacqui Browne, who died just last year. Still, there has been no formal State apology.

The Taoiseach is aware of the issues and has expressed strong words of sympathy for survivors, but that is not enough. There is no legal barrier preventing a formal State apology, a proper compensation and support scheme reflecting care needs of survivors and a clear timeline in order that no one else dies waiting for justice. After last night's "Prime Time" programme, how much longer must thalidomide survivors wait for justice?

The Tánaiste and I have met the Irish Thalidomide Association four times over the past eight months. All of the meetings were cordial and positive. We are anxious to get things moving. We have provided comprehensively and substantively in respect of issues relating to health needs for the entirety of the lives of people impacted by thalidomide and in terms of independent living and any supports that are required in that respect. There have been ongoing issues in terms of how we deal with the Contergan situation. There are other aspects that have been positively progressed. We are anxious, on the Government side, to progress this as speedily as possible. I can assure the Deputy of that.