Fianna Fáil Senator Erin McGreehan has strongly criticised her own Government's apology to thalidomide survivors for the hardships they have suffered, and an enhanced package of health and social care supports.
She posted on social media: "So disappointed that after decades of advocating, years of struggles, this is what Simon Harris and government think is okay for Thalidomide Ireland. This is not good enough."
Thalidomide was prescribed to pregnant women in the 1950s and 1960s as a treatment for morning sickness.
In a statement yesterday evening, the Government said it strongly reiterated that the survivors' mothers did nothing wrong.
"It is regretful that the regulatory standards we have today were not the norm, here or internationally, when thalidomide was first brought to market.
"Understanding and ensuring drug safety has changed significantly based on their experience," the statement said.
It came after a meeting of the Cabinet which approved a package including greater access to health and social care professionals, access to therapies both clinical and holistic, independent living supports, housing adaptations, car adaptations and home supports, annual health assessments and a free travel pass.
These supports followed a non-legal facilitation process under the chairmanship of Kieran Mulvey.
It commenced on 19 April 2023 and was a voluntary process with survivors.
While progress was made the talks did not continue in this format and wider matters raised by survivors were not covered.
The Government says it is anxious to implement these enhanced supports immediately.
The Irish Thalidomide Association said a meeting of the association is due to take place before the weekend to discuss the issue.
The issue is expected to be raised at the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael parliamentary party meetings tonight.
Additional reporting Mícheál Lehane
