The Government has asked the judge who prepared the report on the Lourdes hospital inquiry to advise it on how to provide redress for the women on whom unnecessary hysterectomies were carried out.
Minister for Health Mary Harney announced last night that Judge Maureen Harding Clark is to advise on the best system of redress. She will also advise on the cost of such a scheme.
In light of Ms Harney's stated determination that the taxpayers will not have to foot the entire bill, the judge has been asked to advise on how to recoup the maximum amount from those responsible and from insurers.
More than 60 women whose wombs were removed, most by Dr Michael Neary, may be entitled to receive compensation under whatever scheme the Government introduces.
Ms Harney said she believed the judge was the best person to advise on this issue, "based on my discussions with Patient Focus and the reaction of various other parties to the report on the Lourdes hospital inquiry.
"The quality of Judge Harding Clark's work and report has been universally acknowledged and I believe that she can bring her unique insights and skills to bear on the issue of redress. She has the respect and confidence of the women affected and the other parties involved," the Minister said.
Ms Harney has asked the Department of Health to develop proposals to address the need for stronger clinical governance arrangements throughout the health system.
"In addition to the actions already being taken in relation to the preparation of the new Medical Practitioners Act, the reform of the consultant contract and changes in hospital management systems, I believe there is a need to analyse the implications of the report for the health system as a whole," she said.
"I intend to bring proposals to Government shortly to establish a process to ensure that the lessons of this report are built into stronger clinical governance arrangements throughout the health system."