Copyright thejournal
We need your help now Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open. You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough. If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it. One-off amount I already contribute Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you. An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more. Investigates Investigates Money Diaries The Journal TV Climate Crisis Cost of Living Road Safety Newsletters Temperature Check Inside the Newsroom The Journal Investigates Daft.ie Property Allianz Home The 42 Sport TG4 Entertainment The Explainer A deep dive into one big news story Sport meets news, current affairs, society & pop culture have your say Or create a free account to join the discussion Advertisement More Stories Members of the Irish Thalidomide Association (from left) Austin O’Carroll, Donal Browne, Finola Cassidy, Sharon Clarken, Sandra Dunne and John StackBrian Lawless/PA Thalidomide Discretionary medical cards to be provided to unacknowledged Thalidomide survivors Last year, then-taoiseach Simon Harris announced an enhanced health package for survivors. 5.14pm, 30 Oct 2025 Share options DISCRETIONARY MEDICAL CARDS are to be provided to individuals who are still waiting for acknowledgement and confirmation that their injuries were caused by the Thalidomide drug. Board members of the Irish Thalidomide Association (ITA) met with Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris at Government Buildings today. The two leaders confirmed that the health minister has agreed to provide discretionary medical cards to unacknowledged Thalidomide survivors. 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. The Taoiseach and Tánaiste also confirmed an enhanced package of services to all Thalidomide survivors and agreed to meet with members of the board next month. During the meeting they discussed the judge-led facilitation process which has been put in place by Government, whereby Judge Paul Gilligan, retired judge of the Court of Appeal, has been appointed as the independent facilitator for this process. Ex-gratia payments Work in this role began nine months ago, and Judge Gilligan has been meeting with survivors and will make recommendations to Government on an ex-gratia payment for each member. Today, the Taoiseach and Tánaiste explained that the pathway for people who have not yet had their injuries affirmed as caused by the Thalidomide drug is being completed. Before the meeting today, Thalidomide survivors said they hoped the meeting would result in “a shift in the dial” for the thalidomide resolution process. Advertisement 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 of the drug apologised in 2012 to those born without limbs as a result of its use. Last year, 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. The thalidomide resolution process, led by retired judge Paul Gilligan, was also set up. Thalidomide campaigners have claimed that the process, which is confidential, has stalled. “We have sought this meeting for many, many months to try and address the total impasse and the lack of proper engagement, and some very broken promises,” said Finola Cassidy of the Irish Thalidomide Association (ITA). “We’re hoping that today will be actually a shift in the dial and we can actually move on here. So hopefully we will have some very good indications of meaningful progress coming out of this.” She added: “After 60 years, it is far beyond time for the state to take full responsibility for its role and deliver justice for survivors.” There are some 40 survivors of thalidomide in Ireland. With reporting by Press Association Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Support The Journal Christina Finn Send Tip or Correction Embed this post To embed this post, copy the code below on your site Email “Discretionary medical cards to be provided to unacknowledged Thalidomide survivors”. Recipient's Email Feedback on “Discretionary medical cards to be provided to unacknowledged Thalidomide survivors”. Your Feedback Your Email (optional) Report a Comment Please select the reason for reporting this comment. Please give full details of the problem with the comment... Birth Defects Irish Thalidomide Association Micheál Martin Simon Harris Thalidomide News in 60 seconds Trick or Treat Wind and rain to clear up just in time for Halloween night Trial verdict Two found guilty of murder of Croatian national Josip Strok in Clondalkin last year Dublin firefighter given jail term of seven to nine years for rape at Boston hotel 48 mins ago Evening Wrap The 5 at 5: Thursday 15 mins ago High Court grants orders allowing Tusla to secure vulnerable child's protection 21 mins ago Dutch general election Geert Wilders’s far-right populists and centrist party set for unprecedented tie in Dutch election 22 mins ago PodcastThe Candidate John Collison’s tech-bro idea: be a little more Haughey Gardaí praise ‘gentleman’ who found money 'blowing in the wind’ and donated it to guide dog charity Ray D'Arcy 'had plenty of warning' show could be axed, says RTÉ boss Tolls to increase on 10 national roads including the M50 from January is it a bird 'Strange light' moving across Ireland may be result of US rocket launch more from us Investigates Money Diaries The Journal TV Journal Media Advertise With Us About FactCheck Our Network FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition more from us TV Listings GAA Fixtures The Video Review Journal Media Advertise With Us Our Network The Journal FactCheck Knowledge Bank Terms & Legal Notices Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition © 2025 Journal Media Ltd Terms of Use Cookies & Privacy Advertising Competition Switch to Desktop Switch to Mobile The Journal supports the work of the Press Council of Ireland and the Office of the Press Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. You can obtain a copy of the Code, or contact the Council, at https://www.presscouncil.ie, PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1800 208 080 or email: mailto:info@presscouncil.ie Report an error, omission or problem: Your Email (optional) Create Email Alert Create an email alert based on the current article Email Address One email every morning As soon as new articles come online
