Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 May 2014
217. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his views on a recent article (details supplied) on proposed redress for symphysiotomy patients which has caused a lot of confusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20722/14]
View answerThe position is that no decision has been made by the Government regarding a redress scheme for women who have undergone a surgical symphysiotomy. Since coming into office, I have endeavoured to satisfactorily facilitate closure for around 250 - 350 women affected by symphysiotomy. On 26 November 2013, 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 symphysiotomies. Judge Murphy commenced her review of issues relating to Symphysiotomy in December and has submitted her report to me in mid-March.
I am closely examining the report and its recommendations. I will bring a Memorandum to Government in the coming weeks, so that a decision can be taken as early as possible regarding next steps. Any proposals brought to Government will also take into account of the findings of the independent research report on Symphysiotomy in Ireland 1944-1984, which was commissioned by my Department (the Walsh Report), along with any other relevant information.
