Lourdes Hospital Redress Scheme Eligibility

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 November 2012

Thursday, 8 November 2012

Ceisteanna (12)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

12. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if the review he initiated in his Department on how best to compensate those women victims of the former consultant Michael Neary and who were excluded from the terms of the redress scheme on the grounds of age, has reported to him; the way he intends to proceed; how quickly he will act, in view of the fact that the number of women involved continues to reduce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48959/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

This Government has given a commitment in the Programme for Government to seek a mechanism to compensate those women who were excluded on age grounds alone from the Lourdes Hospital Redress Scheme. I understand that approximately 35 women who suffered an unnecessary bilateral oophorectomy were excluded from the Redress Scheme on the basis of age alone. The Scheme of Redress approved by Government in 2007 was a non-statutory, ex-gratia scheme. Awards were determined by an independent Redress Board in 2007 and 2008.

My Department has been engaged in a review to identify the most appropriate mechanism to compensate these women. This review has included taking instructions and legal advice, including advice from the Office of the Attorney General, with a view to bringing proposals to Government for a decision. This process is ongoing, and it is my intention that it will be brought to a satisfactory, legally sound conclusion as quickly as possible.