Gerald Nash (Louth, Labour)
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1772.To ask the Minister for Health if he will engage with a group (details supplied) regarding the 2009 TC Smyth Review; if he will make arrangements to publish the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[34844/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy is aware, in October 2009, the Minister for Health and Children announced the establishment of an independent non-statutory review - the “Drogheda Review”.

The purpose of the review was to advise on whether a further investigation into the procedures and practices at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital (OLOL) Drogheda during the period 1964 to 1995 would be of significant public benefit in helping to improve best practice guidelines and policies. The review was carried out by retired High Court Judge T.C. Smyth.

Judge Smyth submitted his report to the then Minister in September 2010. The report recommended that a further investigation should not be held and that, in order to avoid prejudicing any civil or criminal cases, the report should not be published. A short summary of the report was, however, prepared and supplied to the patient support groups in January 2011.

I am keen to publish the report in the interest of transparency. However, in order to ensure that the publication does not adversely impact those who contributed to the report, or undermine future civil or criminal cases, my officials have sought legal advice on the matter.

As outlined in recent days, the Government is determined to listen to the victims and ensure that the response is victim centred. As the Taoiseach confirmed, Government is reflecting on the requests of the victims of Michael Shine and will see what actions are appropriate.