Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 February 2013
664. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will meet with the victims of former consultant Michael Neary as a matter of urgency in order to deal with his commitment to resolve their outstanding issues and quest for justice. [8102/13]
View answer717. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if the review he initiated in his Department on how best to compensates those women victims of the former consultant Michael Neary, who were excluded from the terms of the redress scheme established by the former Government on the grounds of age, has reported to him; the way he intends to proceed; how quickly he will act in view of the fact that the number of women involved continues to reduce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8504/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 664 and 717 together.
A commitment was made in the Programme for Government to seek a mechanism to compensate those women who were excluded on age grounds alone from the Lourdes Hospital Redress Scheme. The Scheme of Redress approved by Government in 2007 was a non-statutory, ex-gratia scheme. Awards were determined by an independent Redress Board in 2007 and 2008. I have in the past met representatives of the women excluded on such grounds from the scheme, and I would envisage further consultation with these women, and/or their representatives, as the matter progresses.
My Department has been engaged in a review to identify the most appropriate mechanism to compensate these women. This review has included taking instructions and legal advice, including advice from the Office of the Attorney General, with a view to bringing proposals to Government for a decision. This process is ongoing, and it is my intention that it will be brought to a satisfactory, legally sound conclusion as quickly as possible.
