Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Thursday, 18 December 2014

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children

Regulation of Cosmetic Surgery: Discussion

10:30 am

Photo of John CrownJohn Crown (Independent) | Oireachtas source

My question is slightly off the topic of cosmetics and concerns other areas of plastics. I had occasion recently to make inquiries on behalf of somebody whose child had suffered a severe burn injury abroad. Do we have enough burn beds? Do we have enough paediatric and adult burn beds? Is the unit adequately staffed and resourced?

I have received a number of distressing items of correspondence from a few people with respect to the failure of insurance companies to cover them for reconstructive breast surgery when they have not had cancer but a clear-cut genetic syndrome meaning a very high likelihood of getting cancer. Sadly, one of the most standard treatments is to recommend to the women that they have their breasts removed preventively before they could develop cancer. An incredibly integral component of cancer care is the making available of genetic testing, prophylactic surgery and reconstruction.

Does Ms O'Donnell care to comment on the current situation in that respect?

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