Seamus Kirk
Question:136. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health if he is arranging for the Walsh report to be released to the survivors of symphysiotomy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43731/13]
View answerWednesday, 16 October 2013
Questions (136, 154, 155)
Seamus Kirk
Question:154. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health when he intends to fulfil the commitment he made on 1 August last to appoint a judge to engage with the survivors of symphysiotomy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43780/13]
View answerSeamus Kirk
Question:155. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health when he will publish the Walsh report on symphysiotomy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43781/13]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 136, 154 and 155 together.
As the Deputy may be aware, I received the independent report by Professor Oonagh Walsh on Symphysiotomy in Ireland at the end of May 2013 and the Report is under consideration.
I met with the three support groups representing the women concerned in August 2013. At that meeting, I proposed to appoint a judge to meet with the women in order to facilitate decisions on how best to bring closure for the women concerned.
My officials are actively considering this issue and I intend bringing proposals to Government as soon as possible.
I wish to confirm that I intend to publish the Walsh report when I have received Government approval regarding how best to proceed in relation to this issue.
My priority continues to be to ensure that the women who have had this procedure have their health needs comprehensively and professionally met. In this regard, the HSE provides a range of services to women who may be experiencing any adverse effects as a result of undergoing this procedure. These services include the provision of medical cards, the availability of independent clinical advice and the organisation of individual pathways of care and the arrangement of appropriate follow-up.