Another meeting is being scheduled for a month’s time as both sides “regroup” after a “detailed” hour-long meeting at Government Buildings on Thursday.

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 adaptions, car adaptations and home supports, annual health assessments and free travel passes.

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