Hundreds of women had undergone a "brutal" medical procedure when giving birth during the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, the House was told yesterday.
Mr John Gormley (Green, Dublin South East) said it appeared hundreds of Irish women over a 20-year period at least had to undergo "this brutal experimental operation", called symphysiotomy, which had left many of them suffering permanent health problems.
Some Irish doctors persisted apparently because they believed women who underwent Caesarean section would use contraception to avoid another pregnancy.
Dr Tom Moffatt, Minister of State for Health, said in the light of public concern the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists had been requested to examine the issues raised and to respond to the Minister as soon as possible. The Minister would then consider the matter further.
Dr Moffatt said the procedure was no longer in use. It was used in an era when Caesarean sections carried a higher risk to the mother.