Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Dáil recently unanimously facilitated the passage through Second Stage of the Statute of Limitations (Amendment) Bill 2013. It is designed to facilitate access to the courts for all victims of symphysiotomy, a significant number of whom are currently unable to progress their cases because of the Statute of Limitations. This is a cohort of very elderly women. When will Committee Stage be facilitated in the Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality? It was signalled for two weeks ago but it was deferred because it was indicated that the Minister would be out of the country. As it happened, he was not. As the mover of the legislation I have received no clear indication of how quickly it will be facilitated, although I am advised that the committee is anxious to accommodate Committee Stage. Mindful that the clock is ticking for so many of these unfortunate women, will the Taoiseach help to ensure the earliest facilitation of Committee Stage, with the hope of concluding the Bill's passage through the Houses before the summer recess?

See this speech in context