Is the Tánaiste aware of the British independent medicines and medical devices safety review which was published earlier this month? The review sets out nine major recommendations to address the serious medical deficiencies and anguish caused to patients who received pelvic mesh implants. Will the Government do the same or something similar to address the serious issue in this country?

I know the Tánaiste is aware of this issue because it was raised with him several times when he was Taoiseach. A number of different drugs were examined here: Primodos, sodium valproate and pelvic mesh. When in opposition, the Minister for Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, called for an independent inquiry into these three medical interventions. We now have a report from Britain. The Government needs to establish an expert panel to look at that report so that we do not need to reinvent the wheel. These women want action. A number of interventions that can be made should be made by the Government very quickly. Will the Government establish an expert panel to look at the UK report and make recommendations so that these women can get justice?

I am aware of the issue. I am not aware of the specific report although I did see the news from the UK yesterday. It is my view that Irish women who had an operation involving this mesh and experienced very severe pain and life-changing difficulties as a result should certainly be treated no less favourably in Ireland than they are being treated across the water in Britain. I am sure the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, will give urgent attention to the matter.