The German company which developed Thalidomide has apologised for the drug, which caused birth defects in the 1950s and 1960s.

The chief executive of the company- called Gruenenthal  said the firm didn’t know it was dangerous.

The drug  was prescribed to mothers as a treatment for morning sickness but caused babies to be born with physical deformities and was later withdrawn.

Ireland’s 32 survivors of Thalidomide are currently seeking compensation and an apology from the Irish Government.