Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)

It is not just a case of resources. Everything is not down to resources. It is the case in many hospitals in the country - and it should be the case - that a second opinion is sought in these circumstances. However, as I said in my response, it is not just simply a matter of machinery because there are a wider number of issues. We need to await the outcome of the review. The important fact is we have a person of the level of Professor Turner and I think the Deputy will agree he is highly respected in this field. He is a lead clinician in this area. He was appointed in May before this matter came into the public domain and for a different reason. He was asked to look at obstetric practice in Ireland and to make appropriate recommendations to ensure we have standard procedures right around the country.

I was in Mullingar hospital yesterday. It has always had a practice of a second opinion in operation, I am happy to say. We need a standardised approach to all these issues. In particular, we need to ensure we have obstetric cover to be able to give advice, examination and guidance to women in these circumstances.

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