182 Ms B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children when the redress scheme for the patients of Dr. Michael Neary will begin; the criteria for compensation; the definition of injury in these cases; if mental or emotional trauma will be a factor in determining eligibility for compensation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6260/07]

The Inquiry into peripartum hysterectomy at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda chaired by Judge Maureen Harding Clark S.C. was established by the Government in 2004 following the decision of the Medical Council to remove Dr Michael Neary from the Register of Medical Practitioners after finding him guilty of professional misconduct.

Following the publication of the Inquiry Report in February 2006, Judge Clark was requested by the Government to advise on an appropriate scheme of redress arising from the findings of the Report. Judge Clark was also requested to advise on a mechanism for ensuring maximum recoupment from wrongdoers and indemnifiers of any monies payable under an agreed redress scheme; including the estimated cost of the scheme. I will shortly be bringing Judge Clark's proposals to the Government for consideration and decision.