Billy Kelleher
Question:12 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the reason for the further delay in the publication of the report on symphysiotomy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24268/12]
View answerWednesday, 16 May 2012
Questions (14, 15, 16)
Mick Wallace
Question:15 Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made to date regarding the report on symphysiotomy commissioned by the Chief Medical Officer in his Department last year; when the draft report will available for consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24343/12]
View answer
Gerry Adams
Question:56 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health when the report he commissioned on symphysiotomy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24196/12]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 12, 15 and 56 together.
My Department has received a draft report from the independent academic researcher who was appointed to complete a report into the practice of symphysiotomy in Ireland.
I asked the Attorney General to consider the draft research report and I have recently received her advice. There is no legal impediment to publishing the research with certain clarifications included. In line with best practice on research, a peer review process has been initiated. I propose to make the draft research report available for consultation this month. Following the consultation process with relevant individuals and bodies and the outcome of the peer review, the report will be then finalised by the academic researcher and published by my Department.
I also understand that there may be court proceedings pending in respect of women who underwent this procedure. The consultation process will need to take account of such proceedings in order to ensure that nothing is done that might impede these cases pending.
I am determined to bring this matter to a satisfactory conclusion for all women concerned as soon as possible. I am very conscious of the distress that this procedure has caused to a number of women in the past and recognise the pain that this issue has caused to those affected by it. The Government is committed to dealing with this matter sensitively, so that if at all possible, closure can be brought to those affected by it.