Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 February 2014
692. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if he has received the report on women who have undergone surgical symphysiotomies; if he will outline its content; the action he will take on foot of this report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7580/14]
View answerOn 26 November Government approved the appointment of retired Circuit Court Judge Yvonne Murphy to assist in setting out a possible course of action in relation to women who have undergone surgical symphysiotomies. Judge Murphy has been asked to meet a number of key interested parties, particularly the support groups for the women, and also the State Claims Agency, and the insurers. Together with the Judge, I met the three support groups - Survivors of Symphysiotomy, Patient Focus and Survivors of Symphysiotomy Limited - after the Government meeting on 26 November, to outline this plan to them.
Judge Murphy has estimated that her work will take around eight working weeks to complete, at which time (around early March) she will provide me with a report with recommendations on the next steps. I hope then to be in a position to revert to Government with detailed proposals, so that a decision can be taken as early as possible regarding a way forward that will facilitate closure for the women concerned. Any proposals brought to Government will also take into account the findings of the independent research report in relation to the practice of symphysiotomy in Ireland that was commissioned by my Department, along with any other relevant information.
