Eileen Kenny case
Deputy Troy raised a documentary about the late Eileen Kenny’s cancer treatment and the failure to tell her the result of a 2012 scan. The Tánaiste said he was not familiar with the case but would raise it with the Health Minister and revert with details.
For questions on promised legislation, 30 Deputies have indicated. There will be one question, then one minute and no more for an answer. I call Deputy Troy.
Comment on this
I thank the Ceann Comhairle. I want to raise the issue of a documentary which was aired on RTÉ 1 on 5 and 6 October.
I appreciate that the Tánaiste may not be aware of it as he has been extremely busy. It concerned the sad story of the late Eileen Kenny, who was first diagnosed with cancer in 2008. Following surgery and chemotherapy, she received the all-clear in 2009. A follow-up scan confirmed this in February 2010. Ms Kenny had a scan in 2012 but she was never told the result of that scan, which showed a clear recurrence of the disease. Ms Kenny had no scans between 2010 and 2012. She should have started treatment in February 2012 but it did not start for a further eight months. She settled a medical negligence claim and received an apology from the treating consultant oncologist but the family is bitterly disappointed with the response from the Irish Medical Council. Could the Tánaiste bring this matter to the attention of the Minister for Health and ensure he will make contact with the family and review the decision of the Irish Medical Council?
Comment on this
I am always very cautious about replying on the details of an individual case, particularly one as serious as the one the Deputy has just raised. I did not see the programme and I am not familiar with the case but I will certainly commit to raising it with the Minister for Health. I will try to revert to the Deputy with a detailed answer.