Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour)

I welcome Finola Cassidy to the Public Gallery. She is here on behalf of the Irish Thalidomide Association.

Once again, I ask the Taoiseach what he proposes to do to ensure thalidomide survivors in Ireland will have justice. It is now more than 63 years since the drug thalidomide was removed from the market. Also, it is more than 63 days – in fact, it is 70 – since the Taoiseach told Finola Cassidy he had a file on his desk on finally bringing this saga to an end for campaigners and that he would engage with them, yet they have heard nothing. Therefore, will the Taoiseach now commit to the House and survivors that he intends to move to deliver a State apology, statutory healthcare and a fair deal for the small number of remaining survivors who really need to see justice at this point and who are deeply frustrated?

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