Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

As I did not get the opportunity yesterday, I also welcome and congratulate our newest Member, Senator Mark Dearey, and wish him well in his time in the Seanad. As this is national eating disorder awareness week, I again ask the Leader whether he can organise a debate on the issue of eating disorders. I note a new clinic opened yesterday to treat young people who are suffering with anorexia. Second, I was thrilled to hear three male Members raise the issue of symphysiotomy and its terrible effects. I have met many of the women who have been scarred and marked by the practice by which their children were delivered and was sickened to the core when I watched "Prime Time" one week ago. I was even more sickened last night when watching "Prime Time", on hearing the former obstetrician gynaecologist, Mr. Neary, who now has been struck off the medical register, state the women concerned only pursued this matter in the interest of money. I concur with the comments of my colleague, Senator Mullen, that this matter cannot be left to the small cosy cartel that is the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists but must be opened up further. I agree with Senator Norris's comment that this was a barbaric religious practice. However, it was no such thing because when Mr. Neary performed Caesarean hysterectomies, he also attributed this to religious beliefs although it had nothing to do with the religious beliefs of the women he had butchered. I do not use the word "butchered" easily but he did butcher them. I know this because I sat listening to the medical inquiry into the matter for three years.