Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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21. To ask the Minister for Health the progress he has made since 26 September in ensuring justice and truth for the survivors of symphysiotomy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48068/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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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 acknowledged that this was a complex issue about which Government had not yet finished its deliberations. A number of those present described their personal experiences and I acknowledged the adverse effects endured by many women and their families as a result of symphysiotomy. In this context I proposed to appoint a judge to meet with the women in order to facilitate decisions on how best to bring closure for them.

My officials are actively considering this issue and I intend bringing preliminary 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.