Written answers

Tuesday, 19 February 2013

Department of Health

Patient Redress Scheme

Photo of Clare DalyClare Daly (Dublin North, Socialist Party)
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To ask the Minister for Health if she will meet with the victims of Michael Neary as a matter of urgency in order to deal with his commitment to resolve their outstanding issues and quest for justice. [8102/13]

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Health if the review he initiated in his Department on how best to compensates those women victims of the former consultant Michael Neary who were ex excluded from the terms of the redress scheme established by the former Government on the grounds of age, has reported to him ; the way he intends to proceed; how quickly he will act in view of the fact that the number of women involved continues to reduce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8504/13]

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 664 and 717 together.

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. I have in the past met representatives of the women excluded on such ground from the scheme, and I would envisage further consultation with these women, and / or their representatives, as the matter progresses.

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.

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