Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 618: To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update in the status of an independent report, which was due in September, into the practice of symphysiotomy here; when he expects the report to be published; if his attention has been drawn to the anxiety the delay in publishing this report is causing to victims of the procedure; the steps he proposes to take to address the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3430/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The independent academic researcher appointed to complete a report into the practice of symphysiotomy has assured my Department that the report will be submitted this week. I understand that the researcher encountered significant unforeseen difficulties in accessing essential information resulting in a delay and my Department has endeavoured to keep patient representatives informed of the situation as it has developed. I am very conscious that the women who underwent this procedure are anxious for this report to be completed as soon as possible but would reiterate that I am also mindful that quality and accuracy must take precedence over speed.

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