Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I seem to have inherited a position of having to deal with a range of difficult issues involving not only financial, political and employment problems but also matters pertaining to the Magdalenes, thalidomide and the Neary cases of symphysiotomy. We want to do something about this issue. I have not yet read Professor Walsh's report, but it has been the Government's practice to engage with the various groups to listen to their stories and then decide what is the best thing to do. We received the report from Professor Walsh. I understand it is a credible report based on academic research and direct consultation with the women involved. We have dealt with a range of challenges in the Presidency for several months. The Minister for Health has not brought his analysis of the report to the Cabinet.

I take Deputy Gerry Adam's point about this being a matter of urgency, but it has moved to the point where we have a clear report and the Minister is committed to meeting the representatives of the groups prior to publication of the report. Given the time constraints on us between now and the summer recess, I will see what can be done. I cannot give a guarantee that it will be addressed, but I assure the Deputy this is one of a number of serious cases that I like to think we can deal with. I am not going to comment on the options he set out. The Government will decide what is the best thing to do arising from the recommendations made in the Walsh report and a consideration of the legal implications. This is a matter the Minister is taking seriously and we will consider his analysis of the Walsh report, meet representatives of the support groups, publish the report and get on with making a decision. It is the Minister's interest to ensure the women concerned are given the best and most appropriate treatment arising from what I described previously as a barbaric process. I have listened to a number of their stories and descriptions of the consequences for their personal well-being after so many years.

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