James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to address the House on this important issue. I also welcome the women who are present in the Gallery, many of whom suffered as a consequence of the procedure. I can only imagine the level of distress that symphysiotomy has caused to the women who underwent the procedure and recognise the pain and ill health they have endured as a consequence. I reassure the House and the ladies present that I and the Government are committed to dealing with the issue sensitively so that it can be brought to an appropriate and fair conclusion for all the women affected. For those reasons I have agreed to accept the Bill, although I have been advised that it contains serious flaws and also that it might not achieve the objectives intended by Deputy Ó Caoláin. To oppose the Bill would send the wrong message. I want to send a strong message to the women involved that I intend to help them get closure on the matter in the fairest and fastest way possible.

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