Prior to the summer recess the Taoiseach committed to the publication of the Walsh report into symphysiotomy. We all agree that this procedure, which was inflicted on 1,500 Irish women, was a barbaric practice. The Minister for Health has refused to publish the report until after the Government has taken its decision on a course of action and on legislation. The women need to have all the information that is available to them. Will the Government publish the Walsh report as soon as possible? Will the terms of reference for the judge in the mediation process be published? Will the Taoiseach set a fixed and short timeframe? Some of these women are very infirm and elderly.

The Government is obliged to ensure the implementation of the European working time directive. This issue is central to the dispute involving junior doctors, some of whom carry a huge burden, working up to 80 hours a week in extreme cases. This has obvious implications for patient safety. When will the Government insist that the European working time directive be enforced in every hospital sector?

The important issue arising from the Deputy's question is that the Government intends to do something about the scandal of the symphysiotomy situation. I expect the report will be published, but I will not say when.

There is a commitment on publication.

We need to have the sequence of events so it can be dealt with in a proper fashion. For this reason, my understanding is that a judge will be appointed to examine the question of how best to proceed. It is not a case of not wanting to publish the report; it is a case of having the sequence right when it is published. I will provide the Deputy with further information on it.

The working time directive is an issue that affects hospitals and junior doctors. The Minister has made it clear he wants to see the directive implemented in full by the end of next year.