Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 February 2005
125 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when the report of Judge Maureen Harding Clarke into the obstetrics and gynaecology unit at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda will be published; if copies of the report will be furnished to the victims concerned in advance of wider publication; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2524/05]
View answer126 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she will establish a redress board for women victims of gross malpractice, including the carrying out of unnecessary caesarian hysterectomy procedures, at the obstetrics and gynaecology unit of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda between 1974 and 1998; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2525/05]
View answer127 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the investigations being carried out, including in her Department and by the Garda Síochána, into the disappearance of case files concerning the victims of gross malpractice at the obstetrics and gynaecology unit of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda; the results of any such inquiries; when said investigations will conclude; if the reports will be made public; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2526/05]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 125 to 127, inclusive, together.
The inquiry referred to by the Deputy is ongoing and, subject to legal advice, it is my intention to publish its report when it comes to hand.
I have received proposals from Patient Focus, the group which represents former patients of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, requesting the establishment of a redress board. I intend to meet with the group shortly to discuss their request. Following that meeting, I will consider the matter in consultation with Government colleagues.
The Garda authorities have informed my Department that the Garda Síochána has received a complaint and is conducting an investigation into the disappearances of a number of case files from Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. The investigation is ongoing and, when concluded, a complete file will be forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for directions. As the Deputy will appreciate, it would be inappropriate to comment further on this matter.
