Report to be legally cleared before viewing by Harney

The report on the review of mammograms in Portlaoise hospital has to be legally cleared before being seen by the Minister for Health, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern told the Dáil.

"In all these cases, when a report is prepared professionally in this way, and names of people and their careers are mentioned, legal clearance is needed on those issues first."

Mr Ahern said that the HSE had commissioned the report, so, legally, it must get clearance for it. "That is the point in law." He understood that the report was nearly complete, and Dr Ann O'Doherty, who was undertaking the review, had done an extraordinary job, going through more than 3,700 mammograms.

He was replying to Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny, who said every member had referred to Dr O'Doherty's professionalism.

"I listened to Mary Harney speak last night on the report and review carried out by Dr O'Doherty, who did an enormous amount of work in a very short time. The Minister stated on the record last night that she is not entitled to see the report. She is the Minister for Health and Children and she requested and directed that this review be carried out. She stated that the problem had arisen due to a breakdown in communications, which appears to be the latest excuse. Can somebody explain why the Minister for Health is not entitled to see Dr O'Doherty's report?"

The Taoiseach said everybody had an interest in getting to the bottom of what happened, so it was important that they see the report. He had been advised earlier yesterday that the final special clinic was provided by Prof Arnie Hill, on Tuesday, for all the women who were contactable and available.

"Only a very small number of women did not attend and alternative arrangements have been made for their surgical review on a priority basis at the earliest date. Every effort is being made to contact a small number of women yet to be contacted, including visiting known addresses for these women. A small number are believed to have physically left the jurisdiction and a significant effort is being made to contact them.

"Of the group seen last night, some need further diagnostic investigations, similar to those who were seen last Saturday.

"This is being organised as a matter of urgency. For the small number of women who still need to be surgically reviewed because they were unable to attend either clinic on November 24th and 27th, the HSE will ensure they are accommodated for such review at the earliest opportunity."