Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

"Symphysiotomy" is a dry, clinical word. It has the duplicitous effect of hiding the enormous damage, abuse, pain, suffering, indignity and immobility that has been inflicted on a vulnerable section of society. Listening to the harrowing details that are often recounted by faint or soft voices, one is quickly jolted into realising the life-changing misery suffered by those who underwent this procedure. I have attended a few presentations in respect of this matter in Leinster House and quite a number of those present were moved to tears by what was said. I commend the women who have pursued the campaign for justice through thick and thin. It is not easy for people to discuss their personal lives, particularly those who have undergone such difficult experiences, and it takes great courage to do so. A certain level of persistence is also required to see a campaign through over a number of years. The persistence shown in this case provides an education for and an inspiration to those of my generation.

What sets symphysiotomy apart from other invasive medical procedures is not just its brutal nature but also the fact that it was completely avoidable. Alternative procedures could and should have been used. There was no justification for the use of symphysiotomy then and there is no justification for any delay in the delivery of justice now. This barbaric procedure affected approximately 1,500 women, many of whom came from my county, Meath, and attended Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda. This procedure was executed on women who attended that hospital not at some period lost in the mists of history but as recently as 1992, long after other hospitals had ceased to use it. This is another important reason the clinical governance of that hospital should be examined.

Symphysiotomy operations were undertaken on foot of a desperately narrow interpretation of a religious ideology. No consideration was given to the actual medical needs of the mothers involved. No alternatives were offered and no explanations were given as to the long-term effects of the procedure. At no point was the informed consent of the women who underwent this procedure sought. These women entered State care as expectant mothers and they left it as injured victims. While these events may seem historical in nature, their outcome is still sadly being felt. There are a number of very brave women who continue to bear the scars of what was done to them. Time is a significant issue in the context of this matter. In the past, foot-dragging has only added to the suffering and injustice visited upon people. There are few matters in respect of which the phrase "justice delayed is justice denied" rings so true. There is a desperate need for the Oireachtas to do everything in its power to expedite this issue as soon as possible.

There is a great deal of scepticism with regard to politics at present and many see it has a zero-sum game which is all about posturing and positioning and which gives rise to no real change. Like many in this Chamber, I entered politics to bring about change. We are faced in this debate with one of those rare and fleeting opportunities to tackle a gross injustice and to really change people's lives. I hope the Government will indicate its support for the Bill and I will be delighted if it does so. I also hope that all of the parties represented in the Oireachtas can show that politics actually works. These women have suffered needlessly and they have lived most of their lives in pain and silence. Rejection of the Bill would literally add insult to injury.

I pay tribute to my colleague, Deputy Ó Caoláin, on his phenomenal efforts to progress the campaign relating to this matter. I also pay tribute to the cross-party victim support group, the members of which left their political differences aside and elevated the debate on this important matter to the level at which it deserves to be discussed. Furthermore, I pay tribute to Marie O'Connor and the Survivors of Symphysiotomy group on their tireless campaigning and work. Most of all, I applaud the inspiring women, many of whom are present in the Gallery, who have gone through thick and thin to ensure they obtain justice.

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