Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 379: To ask the Minister for Health and Children his plans to establish an independent inquiry into the practise of symphysiotomy which was carried out on women in this State until the early 1980s; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6455/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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My predecessor asked the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to prepare a report concerning the practice of symphysiotomy in Ireland which would:

provide the Institute's assessment of the circumstances in which symphysiotomy was carried out in Irish obstetric units;

indicate what protocols or guidance existed over the years to guide professional practice; and

specify when the practice changed and why it changed at that time in Ireland.

I understand that the Institute sought to make arrangements for the review to be carried out by an external team and that, unfortunately, it was not possible to progress this in the way originally proposed. I also understand that efforts are progressing to put in place alternative arrangements with an independent academic researcher and my Department is in consultation with the Institute in this regard.

The HSE has assured my Department that it will continue to monitor and oversee the provision of necessary support services for women. In doing so the HSE is committed to being proactive in seeking out and offering help to women who had symphysiotomies and who may wish to avail of the services offered by the HSE.