Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 197: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will carry out an inquiry into all aspects of a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45535/08]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 211: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will carry out an inquiry into all aspects of a case (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44781/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 197 and 211 together.

Issues surrounding this case have been the subject of a number of inquiries. In 1995 the Medical Council instigated a fitness to practice inquiry but this was delayed pending the outcome of separate legal proceedings, including criminal and judicial review proceedings. Following a Supreme Court judgment in July of this year the Medical Council recommenced an Inquiry. The Inquiry recently resulted in the practitioner in question being removed from the Medical Register.

The issue of a further inquiry is not under consideration. The Health Service Executive has made counselling support available to all those who have been in contact with them following the recent Medical Council Inquiry and will continue to provide such assistance as required.

In addition a review of the response to the matter by the Hospital concerned was conducted by an independent review group chaired by Dr. Miriam Hederman O'Brien. The group's report was published in June 1996.