Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent)
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605. To ask the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 692 of 18 February 2014, if he will provide an update on the matter and any decisions made on foot of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16299/14]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Since coming into office, I have endeavoured to satisfactorily facilitate closure for around 250 women affected by symphysiotomy.

On 26 November 2013, Government approved the appointment of retired Circuit Court Judge Yvonne Murphy to assist in setting out a possible course of action in relation to women who have undergone symphysiotomies. Judge Murphy commenced her review of issues relating to Symphysiotomy in December and has recently submitted her report to me.

I am closely examining the report and its recommendations. I will bring a Memorandum to Government in the coming weeks, so that a decision can be taken as early as possible regarding next steps.

Any proposals brought to Government will also take into account of the findings of the independent research report on Symphysiotomy in Ireland 1944-1984, which was commissioned by my Department (the Walsh Report), along with any other relevant information. It is intended that the Walsh Report will be published once the Government has decided on its response to this complex and sensitive issue.