Mary Moran (Labour)

I thank the Minister of State for attending to allow me to raise the issue of compensation for the patients of the obstetrician, Dr. Michael Neary, who were excluded from the Lourdes hospital, Drogheda, redress scheme in 2007. It was rolled-out to women who suffered unnecessary hysterectomies or removal of ovaries by him.

However, 35 women were excluded from the redress scheme. Some 29 were excluded on age grounds, as anyone over the age of 40 years was excluded, and a further six women, including two who lost children. One lady was excluded because her procedure was delayed by one week and, as a result, it took place three days after her 40th birthday. Lately I spoke to several of these ladies and they are anxious to get closure as soon as possible in order for them to get on with the rest of their lives.

Last February, the Minister for Health, to our absolute delight, committed to carrying out an immediate review for the women who were excluded from the redress scheme. At the time he indicated that the review was at an advanced stage but that was almost six months ago. This evening I raise my concerns for these women and to highlight the fact that five years have passed since the original redress scheme. These women have already suffered once through Dr. Neary's actions. I urge the Minister to ensure that the review is forthcoming as soon as possible in order that these ladies may finally get closure on the dreadful wrong that was done to them. I ask that they are not subjected to further suffering due to a delay by the Government.

The programme for Government commits to finding a mechanism to compensate these women who were excluded on age grounds. We also need to deal with the matter in a sensitive and effective manner. I ask that the review is published as a matter of urgency or that a date be given now on when to expect the review.

As a mother and a former patient of Dr. Neary, I empathise with the situation in which these unfortunate women were subjected. To be denied the opportunity to have children or subjected to early menopause is extremely difficult for any woman. To have these procedures performed on women when they were not clinically necessary, and the resulting strain that has been placed on these women and their families, must be acknowledged for the abomination that it was. I ask the Minister to address the matter urgently.