Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 54: To ask the Minister for Health the number of women who hold special medical cards based on their having been subjected to the disturbing procedure of symphysiotomy; the entitlements that such cards convey on their holders; when and the way entitlement to such cards was introduced; if they have a lifelong currency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16271/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Other services such as allied health professional services may be available to medical card holders. According to current HSE figures, there are 136 women on their database who hold such cards. These cards were specifically designed and coded to meet the unique needs of these clients and were to operate under the same guidelines as all other medical cards. Introduction of these cards commenced in November 2005 with distribution to clients in each Health Service Region through the National Network of Liaison Officers. Fast tracking of all medical appointments referred by the GP to address the adverse effects of symphysiotomy is done locally through the Symphysiotomy Liaison officer.