Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Yesterday saw the publication of the Harding Clark report into medical practices at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, where, for more than 20 years, practices conducted by a doctor were not questioned and a number of procedures were carried out which deprived women of the opportunity to have further children, which has caused them untold distress and anxiety. Most upsettingly, while some people came forward with information during this time, it was not acted on. Effectively, there was a wall of silence and denial about the events at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in respect of the extremely grave concerns expressed about the number of peripartum hysterectomies carried out over a particular period. The report makes for quite shocking reading and arising from it, I wish to ask the Taoiseach a number of questions.

First, can the Taoiseach indicate the status of any Garda inquiry into what the report describes as a deliberate, careful and systematic removal of key historical records, together with master cards and patients' charts? Second, while the removal of these records hampered the inquiry, it also caused considerable stress to the women involved. It is also quite sinister that JudgeHarding Clark reported that three forced criminal entries to her premises took place while the inquiry was under way. Can the Taoiseach indicate to the House whether the Government has made any decision, in principle or otherwise, about the establishment of a redress board for the women affected by Dr. Neary's actions?

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