Vol. 555 No. 2
117 Ms Lynch asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress made to date in the investigation into allegations that women at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, were unnecessarily subjected to caesarean hysterectomies; if he has satisfied himself that adequate support and counselling services are available for the women concerned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18049/02]
The matter raised by the Deputy has been referred to the Medical Council in the context of its statutory functions as set out in the Medical Practitioners Act, 1978. The council's deliberations are confidential and I have no function in the matter. I intend to await the outcome of its deliberations prior to deciding what further measures may be required in this case. With regard to support and counselling services, the North-Eastern Health Board established a helpline in December 1998, which is still extant, to provide counselling and advice to patients. The board is also working in partnership with various patient groups to ensure that patients receive appropriate advice and all necessary support.
