Cabinet to discuss compensation for Neary victims
The Cabinet is expected to discuss compensation for the victims of Dr Michael Neary at its weekly meeting later today.
Moves to get more lay people involved in the workings of the Irish Medical Council, as well as regulations on reporting incompetence and malpractice, are also likely to be discussed during the meeting at government buildings.
A report published last week showed that Dr Neary removed the wombs of 129 women over a 24-year period at Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, when most doctors would only carry out 10 such operations in their careers.
The report said it was extraordinary that this high number of hysterectomies was never noticed and reported to the authorities.
The Tánaiste and Minister for Health, Mary Harney, has already promised to set up a compensation scheme for those affected, something that could cost up to €50m.
However, Ms Harney wants to seek legal advice first on whether the insurers of Dr Neary and Lourdes Hospital can be forced to foot most of the bill.
