Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 19: To ask the Minister for Health if he will report on his consultations with the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology regarding symphysiotomy; if the independent academic researcher to which he referred in his reply of 24 March 2011 has been appointed; if the promised assistance to the women affected is being provided; if he will heed the call of the women for truth and justice and a proper independent inquiry into symphysiotomy. [17907/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Chief Medical Officer of my Department has commissioned an independent research report into the practice of symphysiotomy in Ireland. The aim of the report will be to provide an accurate picture of the extent of use of symphysiotomy in Ireland, and an examination of the Irish practice relative to other countries. It will include an assessment of the circumstances in which the procedure was carried out, what protocols or guidance existed at the time to guide professional practice, and details of when the practice changed and why.

The academic researcher was formally appointed on 1 June 2011. It is my intention that this researcher will carry out this work on an objective and independent basis. Following receipt of this report, which I understand is due to be received in September 2011, my Department will further engage with patient representative groups and the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. I will then quickly decide on the next steps required to address this situation.

It is my intention that the report be published, subject of course to the usual legal and related considerations, which are as of now not expected to create any significant barriers to publication.

I am very conscious of the distress that this procedure has caused to a number of women in the past and recognise the pain that this issue has caused to those affected by it. The Government is committed to dealing with it sensitively, so that if at all possible, closure can be brought to those affected by it. In the first instance, it is important to make sure that the health needs of those who have had a Symphysiotomy are met quickly and effectively.

With this in mind I am committed to ensuring that the greatest possible supports and services are made available to women who continue to suffer effects of having undergone this procedure. The women concerned continue to receive attention and care through a number of services which have been put in place including:

· the provision of medical cards to all who requested them,

· the nomination of a Liaison Officer for a patients' group comprised of women who underwent a symphysiotomy procedure,

· the availability of independent clinical advice for former patients by Liaison Officers who assist in co-ordinating the provision of services to those patients,

· the organisation of individual pathways of care and the arrangement of appropriate follow-up, including Medical Assessment, Gynaecology Assessment, Orthopaedic Assessment, Counselling, Physiotherapy, Reflexology, Home Help, Acupuncture, Osteopathy and fast tracked hospital appointments,

· the refund of medical expenses related to symphysiotomy in respect of medication/private treatments and

· the establishment of a triple assessment service for patients at Cappagh Hospital, Dublin in January 2005.

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.

I am committed to bringing this matter to a satisfactory conclusion as soon as possible. I believe that the women who have had this procedure deserve nothing less.