Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he has received a copy of the Walsh Report; if so, the date on which he received same; when it will be published; if he will explain the delay in bringing the report to the public domain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13919/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I have not yet received a copy of this report. As the Deputy will be aware, my Department has commissioned an independent research report in relation to the practice of symphysiotomy in Ireland. The research included a consultation process involving patient groups, health professionals and in particular the women who have experienced symphysiotomy. The researcher is currently finalising the report based on the consultation and it is also planned to have a peer review process. It is hoped that the report will be published early in 2013.

My first priority is to ensure that the women who have had this procedure have their health needs comprehensively and professionally met. In this regard, the HSE provides a range of services to women who continue to suffer the effects of having had this procedure. These services include the provision of medical cards, the availability of independent clinical advice and the organisation of individual pathways of care and the arrangement of appropriate follow-up.