Dáil debates

Wednesday, 8 March 2006

Lourdes Hospital Inquiry: Statements (Resumed).

 

4:00 pm

Photo of Damien EnglishDamien English (Meath, Fine Gael)

Was he incompetent or did he practise the wrong specialty? Is he sick or evil? For the sake of the women involved this question needs to be answered. This report does not address the reasons Dr. Neary acted in this way. The women and their families have a right to know these reasons. According to some media reports he is Dr. Death with a master plan to sterilise the world. Others hail him as a hero, including one woman I met who would not believe the reports of what Dr. Neary did. People must realise that doctors such as Dr. Neary can do considerable damage if left unchecked. We need answers. Did this man let himself down? Did he lose the plot, was he let down by the system, or was he allowed to operate in an environment where those who knew better chose to ignore events? Was he simply evil?

All those involved in the Lourdes hospital at the time, like Dr. Neary himself, must now come clean for the sake of the women and the future of the medical profession. We must hear from Dr. Neary and this could open the doors for others to explain events.

Deputy Twomey referred to the fear junior staff have of consultants. It is unacceptable that people in the health services are afraid to tell their story. Deputy Johnny Brady knows about receiving information in late night phone calls. A health system in which people are afraid to speak is one in danger of creating another Dr. Neary.

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