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

I met the support groups representing the women who have been affected and afflicted by symphysiotomy on 1 August 2013 and informed them that a decision has not yet been made by Government on how to achieve closure on the issue. I proposed at that meeting that I would appoint a judge to engage with the women affected by symphysiotomy in order to explore all relevant issues. At the conclusion of that process, the judge will advise me on how the matter may be progressed. I will then be in a position to bring detailed proposals to Government. It is, of course, open to any woman not wishing to involve herself in that process to bring a claim through the courts. Any proposals brought to Government will also take into account the findings of the independent research report commissioned by my Department in respect of to the practice of symphysiotomy in Ireland. The research process comprised two stages. The first of these involved an independent draft academic research report, which was based on an analysis of published medical reports and research. The second stage involved consultation on the draft report with patient groups, health professionals and, in particular, the women who have experienced symphysiotomy.

As the Deputy is aware, the Private Members' Bill concerning the Statute of Limitations has been referred to the Select Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality. A date has yet to be scheduled for the taking of Committee Stage of the Bill. My officials will provide any necessary supports required from my Department in order to progress the legislation through Committee Stage.

My first priority is to ensure that the women who have had this procedure have their health needs comprehensively and professionally met. In this regard, the HSE provides a range of services to women who continue to suffer the effects of having had this procedure. These services include the provision of medical cards, the availability of independent clinical advice, the organisation of individual pathways of care and the arrangement of appropriate follow-up.

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