In recent years, the State has proven itself to be particularly adept in offering State apologies - long sought and richly deserved apologies. I am thinking of yesterday's quite appropriate apology to the family of Brian Stack. I am thinking also of the apologies offered to Shane O'Farrell's family, to the victims of Kennelly in Waterford and to the families of the Stardust victims. All of them had to wait a very long time to receive their apologies. There is one glaring omission from that list and it is the survivors of thalidomide, the 40 or so people still living who were abjectly failed by the State over 60 years ago. I know the Tánaiste met with survivors in July. When can we expect those 40 survivors and maybe even more significantly the tiny number of remaining mothers who are at a very advanced age to receive from this State the apology to which they are most definitely entitled and the supports they need to live out the rest of their lives in dignity?

I thank Deputy Ó Fearghaíl raising this. I am very conscious of the ongoing quest that the survivors of thalidomide have had, including Finola Cassidy from my constituency. I know that they have met the Taoiseach and Tánaiste at least once, if not several times. There is a strong desire by the Government to address their very real concerns. I hope and expect that that may be resolved and that any remaining barriers on any side would be set aside for that to be completed for the benefit of the survivors of thalidomide.