Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

One of those questions overlaps with questions from Deputy Ó Caoláin on Mr. Justice Meenan and the courts' process.

I thank Deputy Kelly for his work and advocacy on the issue of pembro and I am glad we could advance that issue. With regard to the Meenan report, we have taken the step to appoint Ms Justice Mary Irvine, a very experienced judge in this area, to chair the tribunal. Deputy Kelly will note that at a time when the Government has basically said the only legislation it is able to do is Brexit-related, the Meenan report and tribunal have made the list. In other words, such is the seriousness of it we are making an exception and Meenan is absolutely included in the Government's legislative programme. I will get to the timeframe and answer the Deputy's question. We have also brought in external assistance for legal advice to help us prepare it because, as the Deputy has acknowledged, it is complex and something we have not done before. I am hoping to get a general scheme to the health committee in the month of March. That is the timeline I am hoping for. That is my ambition for it and everything we possibly can do to do this is happening.

With regard to the RCOG review, I am not in the business of having bets on the floor of the Dáil but I do not accept the assertion the review cannot be completed this year. It is a review that will take six months from the time RCOG starts to receive the slides. It is independent and I do not want to speak for it. The slides have started to transfer so I am very hopeful it can progress. I am happy to keep the Deputy and the House informed. It is a process that is under way.

With regard to the issue of what the Deputy described as the non-221 group, and I have heard this from some patient advocates, I certainly will have a look at it and reflect on it.

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