James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

The commitment in the programme for Government is very clear and it defines the people concerned who were excluded on age grounds alone. In further meetings with Patient Focus I gave an undertaking to review the other cases and that review is ongoing. The Deputy has asked for some certainty and clarity on how much longer this process will take. Having spoken to officials no more than ten minutes before I came in here, my understanding is that it will be in the next few weeks. I would hope there would be engagement with Patient Focus and that the recommendations could be brought to Cabinet. I hope that clarifies matters for the many women who suffered at the hand of an individual who was clearly dysfunctional and did untold damage to many people's lives. As a past member of the medical profession that is something about which we are all deeply ashamed.

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