“My blood runs cold,” says Finola Cassidy, referring to the effect of reading material in the National Archives of Ireland relevant to the disabilities she and others live with as in the late 1950s and early 1960s their mothers took thalidomide, not knowing the potential consequences.
Thalidomide was developed in Germany in the 50s as a sedative or tranquilliser but was later widely promoted as a drug to treat morning sickness during pregnancy. It was withdrawn from most markets in 1961 following widespread evidence of its link to birth defects, but was still sold in Ireland until 1964.
Twelve years ago, more then 25 of those affected took High Court proceedings against the German thalidomide producer, Grünenthal GmbH, its distributor in Ireland, TP Whelehan, and State parties, who all deny the claims against them.
The cases have gone nowhere.Meanwhile the plaintiffs age, some of them die, and the number of parents still alive is naturally dwindling. “There are a handful of mothers left,” says cassidy.
Among the issues holding up the proceedings is discovery, the right of a plaintiff to access material held by the other side. A discovery order made against the defendants would involve going through more than 90 million documents, take years, and cost almost €170 million, the court was told by the State in 2019.Little has happened since. Meanwhile, Cassidy has been conducting her own research in the National Archives.The core files she wants to see appear not to have been transferred to the archive yet.
But she has come across files in respect of other Grünenthal drugs where the company was negotiating their distribution with State departments.
“The same parties, working together … we never knew there was a 10-year relationship between those entities on other products.”
One document she found is dated September 1956 and is concerned with the sale of Grünenthal products Paratebin and Prevecillin in the Republic. The manufacture and packaging of the products, the company told the Department of Health then, was “directed and controlled by Mr H Mückter” and a second company chemist.
Heinrich Mückter was a Nazi scientist. Coming across his name in the National Archives gave Cassidy a shock, she says.
“I was always aware of his involvement in the advancement of thalidomide. I just never expected to see [his name] in Irish State Department of Health files.”
Mückter, who died in 1987, conducted experiments on concentration camp prisoners during the second World War, according to historical records. He was a member of the SS and was involved in experiments at the Dachau concentration camp.
1962 letter Reveals Quiet Request to Irish Doctors Over Thalidomide
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A letter from the acting chief medical adviser in the Department of Health, dated June 20th, 1962, reveals a discreet request to regional medical officers to investigate the potential impact of thalidomide in Ireland.The letter,recently highlighted,demonstrates the initial response to growing concerns about the drug’s devastating effects on unborn children.
The correspondence states that while agents for the manufacturers of Softenon and other thalidomide-containing products had withdrawn them from the Irish market in January 1962 through direct communication with doctors and chemists, there remained a possibility of lingering supplies.
Doctors were asked to contact colleagues in their area, urging them to cease using any remaining stock and, where appropriate, to facilitate the return of the drug from patients. The letter emphasizes a low-key approach: “It is almost,make no fuss,do it behind closed doors. There is no alarm.”
Moreover, medical officers were instructed to discreetly inquire about any instances of infant deformities potentially linked to the drugs, consulting birth records and clinical data from the Mother and Child scheme. They were asked to report their findings to the acting chief medical officer “as soon as you can conveniently do so.”
The letter provides a stark insight into the early stages of the thalidomide crisis in Ireland and the initial, understated approach taken by health authorities.
Thalidomide Survivors in Ireland Continue Fight for Improved Support and Recognition
Thalidomide survivors in Ireland are renewing their calls for a new compensation scheme, increased supports, and a formal State apology, 64 years after the drug’s international withdrawal. Despite recent meetings with government officials and the establishment of a facilitation process,the group feels progress is too slow and that many survivors remain unacknowledged and unsupported. Approximately 40 people in ireland are currently affected by thalidomide,with over 10 believed to be “unacknowledged” survivors who have never been officially recognized.
The Ongoing Struggle for Recognition and Support
Thalidomide, initially marketed as a safe treatment for morning sickness in the late 1950s and early 1960s, was found to cause severe birth defects, including limb malformations, internal organ damage, and other disabilities. The drug was withdrawn from the market in 1961, but the devastating effects continue to impact survivors throughout their lives. https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/community/disability-information/thalidomide/
The Irish Thalidomide Association is advocating for a more responsive and complete system of support. Current concerns include:
* Inadequate Compensation: Existing compensation schemes are seen as insufficient to cover the ongoing and escalating healthcare needs of survivors as they age.
* Unrecognized Survivors: A significant number of individuals affected by thalidomide have not been officially recognized, preventing them from accessing vital support services.
* Slow Progress: The association expresses frustration with the pace of the “facilitation process” established in 2023, led by retired Court of Appeal judge Paul Gilligan. https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2023/1129/1414414-thalidomide-survivors-support/
“What we need is a system where we are dealing with people who can make a decision,” stated fiona Cassidy, a representative of the Irish Thalidomide Association, highlighting the need for a more decisive approach from authorities.
Recent Government Engagement and Future Meetings
The association has been actively engaging with Irish political leaders to raise awareness and push for change. in October, they met with Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris. Following these meetings, the group reported a renewed sense of hope that the resolution process, which had previously reached an “impasse,” could be revived. https://www.irishtimes.com/politics/2023/1130/thalidomide-survivors-meet-taoiseach-and-taniste-in-bid-for-improved-supports/
The association also presented their case to approximately 40 TDs and Senators in Leinster House on November 29th, 2023, marking the 64th anniversary of thalidomide’s international withdrawal. further discussions are scheduled with relevant parties on Tuesday, December 12th, 2023.
Key Takeaways
* Approximately 40 people in Ireland are affected by thalidomide, with over 10 unacknowledged survivors.
* The Irish Thalidomide Association is seeking a new compensation scheme, increased supports, and a formal State apology.
* A facilitation process is underway, but the association is dissatisfied with the pace of progress.
* Recent meetings with Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Tánaiste Simon Harris have offered a glimmer of hope.
The Irish Thalidomide Association remains committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of all those affected by this tragic drug. The upcoming meeting on Tuesday represents a crucial chance to break the current deadlock and secure a more just and supportive future for thalidomide survivors in Ireland.
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