Symphysiotomy Reports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 April 2014

Tuesday, 15 April 2014

Ceisteanna (639)

Mick Wallace

Ceist:

639. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health when he will publish the reports of Judge Yvonne Murphy and Professor Oonagh Walsh, of which he has been in possession since last May; if he will publish both of these reports in their entirety; and if he will, in accordance with the principles of equality of arms and procedural fairness, publish both of these reports well in advance of July 2014, when the adequacy of the Government's response to the victims of symphysiotomy will be addressed in Geneva by the UN Human Rights Committee. [17846/14]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Since coming into office, I have endeavoured to satisfactorily facilitate closure for around 250 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 recently submitted her report to me. 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, including the question of publication of Judge Murphy's report.

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. It is intended that the Walsh Report will be published once the Government has decided on its response to this complex and sensitive issue.