Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 24: To ask the Minister for Health the assistance that will be given by the Health Service Executive to the women here who received defective PIP breast implants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24192/12]

Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 174: To ask the Minister for Health the advice or assistance being provided to Irish women who have had PIP breast implants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24375/12]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 199: To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the immediate and continuing care which will be provided to all those women who received defective PIP breast implants; if he can confirm that all implant removal procedures will be performed at no cost to the women affected; and for those who want replacement implants, that this will be provided at no cost to them also. [24495/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 24, 174 and 199 together.

The Chief Medical Officer of my Department has met and is engaging with the treating clinics with a view to ensuring that best practice and patient support is paramount in the service provided to concerned recipients of PIP implants. He has discussed the concerns raised by affected clients including access to surgeons for consultation and the provision of full medical records in relation to one of the treating clinics.

The provider concerned has advised that it is addressing the Chief Medical Officer's concerns and is developing a new care plan to provide for an early surgical consultation for all women who have received PIP breast implants, with the option of breast implant removal. The removal of implants will be prioritised according to whether a rupture has occurred or not. Significant detail remains to be clarified and the Chief Medical Officer is continuing to engage with this provider, who has assured him that it accepts that it has a duty of care to the women concerned and that it is fully dedicated to helping its clients as much as it can.

Finally, I must reiterate that the resolution of the implants issue has to be between provider and client and an appropriate solution found between the parties; my Department will continue to encourage all parties to reach an acceptable solution for all concerned.