Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Cosmetic Surgery

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 June 2012

Tuesday, 19 June 2012

Ceisteanna (48, 49)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

132 Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the immediate and ongoing assistance that will be made available by the Health Service Executive to the women who received defective PIP breast implants; the further actions he and the Health Service Executive are taking on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29414/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

671 Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence regarding PIP breast implants (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29771/12]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 671 together.

My Department's priority at all times has been that the three treating clinics involved in the PIP breast implant issue provide professional and appropriate care to their affected clients. The Chief Medical Officer has met with and continues to engage with the clinics to ensure that best practice and patient support is paramount in the service provided to concerned recipients of these implants.

The provision of an improved care package by the treating clinic referenced by the Deputies continues to be the subject of intense discussions between my officials and the provider concerned and the CMO continues to liaise with the provider in this regard. The provider has committed to rolling out a care package which would include face to face consultations with a surgeon and follow on care if required and my Department has welcomed and encouraged such a work programme. My Department will continue to support all parties in advancing acceptable and appropriate provision of care but the resolution of the issues arising has to be between provider and client and an appropriate solution found between the parties.

The Department's website and the website of the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) continue to provide regular updates and information on the ongoing EU and international scientific investigation of PIP implants. The advice of both my Department and the IMB has remained constant and readily available to all interested parties, i.e.:

there is no evidence of increased risk of cancer for women with this brand of implant;

the risk of rupture is within expected norms and routine explantation is not recommended;

anyone with a concern about their breast implants should discuss the matter with their GP or surgeon.

Barr
Roinn