Written answers
Tuesday, 12 November 2013
Department of Health
Symphysiotomy Report
Brian Walsh (Galway West, Independent)
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444. To ask the Minister for Health the progress made in relation to the establishment of a redress scheme for survivors of symphysiotomy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47966/13]
Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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472. To ask the Minister for Health the date on which he will publish the second part of the report by Professor Oonagh Walsh into symphysiotomy; when the Government's recommendations will be published; when he intends to appoint a judge; the way he intends to progress this issue and bring justice to the sufferers of symphysiotomy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48189/13]
Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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476. To ask the Minister for Health when he will appoint a judge in respect of women affected by symphysiotomy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48205/13]
Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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486. To ask the Minister for Health the progress that has been made in dealing with the persons who had symphysiotomy procedures in hospitals here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48273/13]
James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 444, 472, 476 and 486 together.
I received the independent report by Professor Oonagh Walsh on Symphysiotomy in Ireland at the end of May 2013. I met the three support groups representing the women concerned in August 2013. At that meeting, I proposed to appoint a judge to meet with the women in order to facilitate decisions on how best to bring closure for the women concerned.
My officials are actively considering this issue and I intend bringing proposals to Government in the coming weeks. I intend to publish the Walsh report when I have received Government approval regarding how best to proceed in relation to this issue.
My priority continues to be 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 may be experiencing any adverse effects as a result of undergoing 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.
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