Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on implementation of the Programme for Government commitment in respect of the proposed extension of the Neary redress scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8001/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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A commitment was made 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. 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.