Dan Neville (Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to this debate and welcome the survivors of symphysiotomy to the House. I also wish to remember those who are not with us, as they have passed on.

Symphysiotomy is barbaric and cruel. It is important to remind ourselves that it involved breaking the pelvis to facilitate a difficult birth. Between 1914 and 1992, approximately 1,500 operations took place, most without the consent of the mothers and without information being provided to them, their husbands or families. Their trust was betrayed by the medical system and the State and I am pleased that this has now been recognised.

I welcome the fact that the Government will deal with this with all of the sensitivity it deserves. It is important that we bring to a conclusion the difficulties that the women experienced as soon as possible, preferably within months. The women who have suffered deserve no less. They have suffered for 40 to 50 years. Grievous wrong was done to them and this must be recognised.

The survivors of symphysiotomy have been demanding justice since 2002. At that time I was a member of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children, which had several meetings with the survivors of symphysiotomy that can only be described as harrowing. I first became aware of this issue when I was a member of that committee and the women's campaign for recognition must be commended. I would like to single out Ms Marie O'Connor for the work she has done as Chairperson of the Survivors of Symphysiotomy group. I also wish to acknowledge the work done by Deputy Ó Caoláin to bring this issue to a head.

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