Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

The Minister for Health and Children tends to wash her hands of many of the scandals that occur within the health service. I tabled three parliamentary questions on the barbaric practice of symphysiotomy and the review the Minister established in respect of it. I received a standard reply to the effect that the Minister cannot answer the questions I posed because of the current industrial action. The Minister established the review. My questions relate to the fact that a body which is directly implicated, namely, the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, has been appointed to examine this matter. I posed specific questions in respect of the protocols, the timeframe and why this body was asked to carry out the review and the Minister indicated that, due to industrial action, she cannot reply to me.

The Minister established the review and, therefore, it is entirely unacceptable that she cannot provide me with a reply. I understand that she might not be in a position to answer questions which relate to the detail of what happens within the HSE. However, she established the review to which I refer into an absolutely barbaric practice that has ruined the lives of many women.

See this speech in context