Irish thalidomide survivors are to meet health minister Mary Harney, amid hopes they will receive a formal apology and compensation from the state.

Finola Cassidy of the Irish Thalidomide Association said the "welcome but long overdue" meeting on Tuesday comes after survivors address­ed a Fianna Fáil parliamentary party meeting last Wednesday.

The group is seeking full disclosure of documents relating to the state's failure to immediately ban the drug after being warned of its dangers and a new compensation package to deal with the challenges for older survivors.