James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

I thank Deputy Ó Caoláin and his party leader, who may have gone up to the Gallery, for raising this matter. While we have our issues of dispute, we also have our areas of agreement and this is one area in which we were both involved prior to last year's general election. I am committed to finding a mechanism to compensate those women who were excluded on age grounds alone from the Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital redress scheme. My proposals for dealing with this sensitive situation are at an advanced stage. My Department is in discussions with the Office of the Attorney General and it is my intention that, barring any significant legal impediments, the proposals will be brought to Government in the near future.

I want to ensure that a robust and accessible mechanism is put in place to fulfil the Government's commitment to the women involved. I am working to bring this about and there will be consultation with Patient Focus on the matter.

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