Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I take this opportunity to send my condolences and sympathy to Savita Halappanavar's husband, family and friends. Although these instances may be rare, one life lost unnecessarily is one too many. As matters stand, this is something that could still happen to our wives, sisters or daughters. I join the calls for the report of the expert group to be published without delay so that we can rectify the situation as soon as possible.

Unfortunately, the mistreatment of women under the State's care is nothing new. This week some 150 symphysiotomy survivors travelled to Dublin for the first screening of a documentary that examines this brutal practice. In the case of many of these survivors, the operations were done without their prior knowledge or consent. They continue to call for justice and a recognition of the suffering they have endured as a result of this barbaric procedure.

For too long, this State has failed women. This must end. We must prioritise the welfare of the mother and what is best for women from a medical perspective so that tragedies such as these can never happen again. Will the Tánaiste listen to the calls of the survivors of symphysiotomy and waive the statute of limitations so that these women can be compensated for what was done to them under the watch of the State? There has been cross-party support on this issue but no action on something that has been described as arguably the biggest human rights scandal in Ireland since the foundation of the State. Most of these women are now in their 70s and 80s. They are looking for justice for the most dramatic event of their lives. Will the Tánaiste address and recognise the mistakes of the past? Will he commit to prioritising the well-being of women who find themselves in situations in which their welfare is put at stake?

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