asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of an article which appeared in a medical journal (details supplied) which states that vasectomy is being carried out in at least two Dublin hospitals; the number of vasectomy operations which have been carried out to date in Dublin hospitals; how many Dublin hospitals perform this operation; whether any of these hospitals are subsidised from central funds and/or the local rates or any other voluntary contributory organisations or statutory organisations and, if so, which organisations; whether the operations carried out were of a purely optional nature to effect the termination of reproductive ability; and whether an optional operation of this type may be paid for from the funds of the Voluntary Health Insurance Board.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Vasectomy Operations.
I have seen the article referred to by the Deputy. I have no information as to the number (if any) of vasectomy operations carried out in Dublin hospitals. Such institutions are not required to notify me of the details of medical procedures carried out therein.
Would the Minister condone hospitals under his authority carrying out such operations under Voluntary Health Insurance?
I have no function in this whatever. Decisions are made by the medical practitioners and consultants concerned. It is a matter for them and the person who receives the treatment; it is not a matter for me.
In view of the fact that there is a shortage of hospital beds for cases needing emergency treatment and a threat of a grave shortage of beds for casualty cases, does the Minister not think that he should investigate this report and see if there is any truth in the statement that surgical beds are being taken up for such operations?
I do not propose to investigate the report.