Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 January 2013
649. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health in view of the urgency of the issue, with many victims of symphysiotomy now elderly and frail, and in view of the importance of the issue in creating a redress scheme, if he will provide some measure of justice to the persons concerned; when he will publish the final version of the Walsh Report on symphysiotomy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3747/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy first priority is to ensure that the women who have had a symphysiotomy have their health needs comprehensively and professionally met. In this regard, the HSE provides a range of services to women who continue to suffer the effects of having had this procedure. These services include the provision of medical cards, the availability of independent clinical advice and the organisation of individual pathways of care and the arrangement of appropriate follow-up.
As the Deputy is aware, my Department has commissioned an independent research report in relation to the practice of symphysiotomy in Ireland. The research included a consultation process involving patient groups, health professionals and in particular the women who have experienced symphysiotomy. The researcher is currently finalising the report based on the consultation and it is also planned to have a peer review process. It is hoped that the report will be published early in 2013. The research report will inform the Department’s overall consideration of this matter, including the consideration of any actions that may be required and possible legal implications. It would be premature for me to make any other comments at this stage on what actions might be taken, prior to giving full consideration to the recommendations of the report.
