Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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Question 56: To ask the Minister for Health the steps he has taken to address the delay in the completion of the report into the practise of symphysiotomy; when he expects to engage with patient groups on the matter and publish the report; and if he accepts the urgency in having this report concluded in view of the aging profile of the victims and their need to have this matter addressed. [32709/11]

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update regarding his address of the plight of victims of symphysiotomy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33026/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 56 and 57 together.

The independent academic researcher appointed to complete a report into the practice of symphysiotomy has advised my Department that she experienced unforeseen difficulties in accessing information sources and, as a result, she expects to complete the report this month rather than as originally planned. I am very conscious that the women who underwent this procedure are anxious for this report to be completed as soon as possible but I also mindful that quality and accuracy must take precedence over speed.

As soon as the draft report is received my Department will further engage with patient representative groups and the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

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