Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Prior to the summer recess the Taoiseach committed to the publication of the Walsh report into symphysiotomy. We all agree that this procedure, which was inflicted on 1,500 Irish women, was a barbaric practice. The Minister for Health has refused to publish the report until after the Government has taken its decision on a course of action and on legislation. The women need to have all the information that is available to them. Will the Government publish the Walsh report as soon as possible? Will the terms of reference for the judge in the mediation process be published? Will the Taoiseach set a fixed and short timeframe? Some of these women are very infirm and elderly.

The Government is obliged to ensure the implementation of the European working time directive. This issue is central to the dispute involving junior doctors, some of whom carry a huge burden, working up to 80 hours a week in extreme cases. This has obvious implications for patient safety. When will the Government insist that the European working time directive be enforced in every hospital sector?

See this speech in context