Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 216: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on correspondence sent to her by the Irish Human Rights Commission, dated 23 October 2008, in which it recommended that she should reconsider her decision not to establish an external review of the use of symphysiotomy between the 1950s and the 1980s; if she will implement this recommendation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13217/09]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Irish Human Rights Commission was requested some time ago by a patient advocacy group to conduct an Inquiry into matters relating to the practice of symphysiotomy in Ireland from the 1950s up to 1983. Having considered the matter in some detail the Commission decided against conducting such an Inquiry under the Human Rights Commission Act, 2000.

The Commission recommended that I review a previous decision not to establish an external review of the practice. Significant efforts had been made previously by the Department's Chief Medical Officer, via the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and through international contacts, to source a suitable reviewer. Progress was made in identifying and sourcing a suitable candidate who later became unavailable due to work commitments. However, the Survivors of Symphysiotomy, another patient support group, subsequently expressed reservations over the choice of reviewer. Thereafter it did not prove possible to source an independent expert. My Department remains in correspondence with the Commission in relation to the matter. The Deputy may also wish to note that in line with a recommendation from the Commission my Department has asked the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to consider the preparation of clinical guidelines covering the practice of symphysiotomy.