Consultation with women affected by symphysiotomy to take place and Minister Reilly to meet the representative groups for the women in the coming days

The Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly TD, today (23 July) announced that he briefed Government on his views on putting closure on the issue of symphysiotomy for the women involved and their families. Government has requested some further details from the women themselves in advance of making a final decision on the matter.

The Minister received the independent report of Prof Oonagh Walsh on 31 May and has been considering it closely since then. He and Minister Kathleen Lynch intend to meet the groups representing the women affected next Tuesday to outline his position and the steps required to close out some major issues in advance of publishing the report.