Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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793. To ask the Minister for Health the redress for families in circumstances in which parents of children have been informed by CHI that their child or children have been operated on unnecessarily; the next steps in the review of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35748/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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It is acknowledged that some patients and parents may request retrospective review of their cases to determine the indications for surgery. In relation to this retrospective reviews of cases, the HSE is establishing a separate process, involving external experts.

Professor Deborah McNamara, President of RCSI has agreed to assist the HSE in establishing the Expert Panel and a Terms of Reference will be finalised with the panel once appointed. It is expected the convening of the panel, appointing a chair and providing the legal supports necessary will take until September. It is then expected that the assessment of each case will take until the end of the year, and into next year, due to the number concerned. This will only take place at the request and consent of patients/guardians and they will have the option to request a second opinion from another expert at no cost.

The detail of this process will be made available when the panel has been established.

It is important that we establish a clear process for dealing with the recommendations and issues arising from the report including liability. I am currently working through all these processes with the relevant stakeholders.