Clare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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To ask the Minister for Health in view of the age profile and growing stress of the women involved, the reason for the delay in delivering on the commitment for redress of the victims of Dr. Michael Neary, and when the promised redress may be expected [56892/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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This Government has given a commitment in the Programme for Government to seek a mechanism to compensate those women who were excluded on age grounds alone from the Lourdes Hospital Redress Scheme. I understand that approximately 35 women who suffered an unnecessary bilateral oophorectomy were excluded from the Redress Scheme on the basis of age alone. The Scheme of Redress approved by Government in 2007 was a non-statutory, ex-gratia scheme. Awards were determined by an independent Redress Board in 2007 and 2008.

My Department has been engaged in a review to identify the most appropriate mechanism to compensate these women. This review has included taking instructions and legal advice, including advice from the Office of the Attorney General, with a view to bringing proposals to Government for a decision. This process is ongoing, and it is my intention that it will be brought to a satisfactory, legally sound conclusion as quickly as possible.

I would like to assure the Deputy that I am committed to finding a solution to this sensitive issue and I intend bringing proposals to Government for its consideration at the earliest possible opportunity.