Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 May 2005
71 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the expected completion date of the inquiry, to be chaired by Judge Maureen Harding-Clarke, into the activities of the former Drogheda obstetrician (details supplied); if her attention has been drawn to the call made by a number of victims for the establishment of a redress board; if she intends to act on this suggestion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15312/05]
View answerI met recently with Judge Harding-Clarke who is chairing the Lourdes Hospital inquiry. She advised me that the work of the inquiry is at an advanced stage. I look forward to early receipt of its report. I have also met with representatives of Patient Focus, the advocacy group which represents, inter alia, former patients of the person referred to by the Deputy.
I advised the group that I would have to await the report of the Lourdes Hospital inquiry before consulting with Government on its request for the establishment of a redress board. I intend to meet with the group again following completion of the inquiry.
