Olivia Mitchell
Question:478 Ms O. Mitchell asked the Minister for Health and Children if the terms of reference for the Neary inquiry have been agreed by Cabinet; and when the inquiry will commence. [12205/04]
View answerTuesday, 27 April 2004
Questions (419, 420)
Seán Ryan
Question:621 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will report on the outcome of his recent meetings with Patient Focus regarding the inquiry into the practice of a person (details supplied); if he proposes to facilitate a public inquiry; the way in which he intends to deal with the persons who were violated prior to 1986; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12077/04]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 478 and 621 together.
Following the Medical Council's investigation into the professional conduct of Dr. Michael Neary, the Government has decided to establish a non-statutory inquiry chaired by Judge Maureen Harding Clark.
A formal announcement of the terms of reference will be made shortly. In broad terms, it is intended that the inquiry will examine the hysterectomy rate at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, and determine how the rate compared with rates in similar hospitals. It will inquire into whether Dr. Neary's practice was commented or acted upon by others at the hospital. It will examine whether internal or external reviews were conducted. It will also inquire into the measures put in place to prevent a repeat of those events at the hospital and offer advice on any additional systems that should be put in place.
I have had a number of meetings with Patient Focus, the patient support group, to discuss the proposed terms of reference and format of the inquiry. The group has been assured that the inquiry will hear evidence from any person who is willing to testify, and that this includes all former patients of Dr. Neary, regardless of the date of their procedure.