Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)

I thank my colleague for allowing me speak for a few moments on this important issue. In the aftermath as we discuss it here in the calm light of Parliament we must reflect on the options available to women who were subjected to this treatment over a long number of years. Notwithstanding medical science advances over the period, this practice continued on regardless for some reason that I do not know. I have always developed a healthy respect for consultants and also the need to confront consultants and the basis for their opinions, although I do not always get applauded for it. The practice that went on was, to say the least, archaic and savage. It was more in concert with medieval times than with the 1930s, 1940s and more recent times.

My first knowledge of this issue arose from a television programme because it was not a subject matter that was discussed too widely, and understandably so. The women who were the victims of this practice were embarrassed. They were embarrassed socially and would not even tell their families. As a result there was a certain amount of silence. However, that the process could continue unabated notwithstanding the fact that various people raised issues is a sad reflection on how we allow things to happen when we could and should do something about it. It is particularly true in this instance. This practice was carried out by qualified people who should have known better. I do not want to draw inferences from other happenings in the 20th century where people in similar circumstances should have known better. However, at this time we should be clear about one thing. To my mind this is tantamount to criminal negligence - it is a serious matter.

While we are discussing it in the calm aftermath, the people who carried out these practices knew full well the consequences at the time. They could not but have known it and it was brought to their attention on numerous occasions. Sadly, it took until now to get general recognition that a practice continued year after year that, to say the least, was prehistoric. It was a savage and painful practice with a long-lasting negative impact on the individual women concerned. It was totally unnecessary in the light of emerging science. In those circumstances, we need to ask whether we can now put in place restrictions on the carrying out of any similar practices that might be found at a later stage to be detrimental to the health and well being of anybody in any sector of the community. People who are in a vulnerable situation receiving treatment in hospital will automatically draw on the advice made available to them. The presumption is that the best advice and the best attention is about to be given to them. In this case, it was not, and the evidence shows it.

None of my family members was a victim of this practice. In one area of the country this seemed to be an ongoing practice that had become acceptable, which is a sad reflection on the health services in general. I hope that what has been learnt from the discussion that has taken place on this issue will serve us in good stead in remembering not to allow practices such as this to go unabated in future and particularly not to allow them to go unchallenged.

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