Written answers

Tuesday, 21 March 2006

Department of Health and Children

Health Services

8:00 pm

Photo of Fergus O'DowdFergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 140: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if the medical treatment received by a person (details supplied) in County Louth will be investigated by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10028/06]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Under the Medical Practitioners Act 1978, the Medical Council was established as the body with the responsibility for the registration of medical practitioners and the regulation of their activities. The Medical Council conducted an inquiry into the medical practitioner referred to by the Deputy and by order of the High Court dated 2 September 2003 the medical practitioner's name was struck off the general register of registered medical practitioners. Accordingly, the Medical Council has completed its statutory function and has no further role in relation to this medical practitioner as he is no longer on the register.

As you may be aware, the Government, at its meeting on 6 April 2004, gave its approval to the terms of reference for a non-statutory inquiry relating to certain events at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital by Judge Maureen Harding Clark. Following the recent publication of the Lourdes Hospital inquiry report, I have asked Judge Harding Clark to advise the Government on an appropriate scheme of redress arising from the findings of her report. Judge Harding Clark will also advise on the cost of such a scheme and on a mechanism for ensuring the maximum recoupment of such costs from wrongdoers and indemnifiers.

Photo of Liz McManusLiz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 141: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she received a letter from a group (details supplied); her views on their request for retrospective diagnosis from their consultant hepatologist stating that they had post viral syndrome; and the action she will take with regard to the points raised in their letter. [10029/06]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The issue of an extension of the Health (Amendment) Act 1996 to provide free health care for the women referred to by the Deputy has been carefully examined and advice taken from a number of relevant experts.

While I am sympathetic to the women in question, I cannot support an extension to the current eligibility requirements. This position was signalled to the support group representing the women at a meeting that I had with them in February 2005. Following further analysis of the matter I confirmed my decision to the support group in September last.

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