Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

The Government has not yet approved the compensation scheme but I have indicated my strong support for one, as has the Taoiseach. The women will not be left waiting; they must come first. However, if it is the case that we need legislation to pursue insurers, we can do that at the same time and it should not cause delay. I envisage that the State would pay the compensation and would then seek to recoup it. That is what I have discussed with my officials and with regard to the legal advice from the Attorney General's office.

The report focused on a particular group of patients. The judge met the women to whom the Deputy referred, as did I. Although they are not specifically referred to in the report, I have great sympathy for the position in which they find themselves. I will make that clear to the Government.

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