The Irish Medical Council has refused to allow patients of the former obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Michael Neary, to be present at a hearing into the actions of other consultant obstetricians who had supported his work.
The council is due to begin a Fitness to Practice hearing later this week into the actions of Bernard Stuart, Walter Prendiville and John Murphy, a consultant obstetrician at Holles Street.
When the allegations first surfaced in the late 1990s, Dr Neary sent the files of nine patients to them.
He had carried out Caesarean hysterectomies on the nine women involved, and claimed in each case it was medically necessary.
The three consultants concluded that his work was fine and he should be allowed continue.
The then North Eastern Health Board, however, was not so sure and sent the same files to a Manchester consultant who expressed grave concern over Dr Neary's handling of their cases.
Dr Neary was later struck off the register of medical practitioners for unnecessarily removing the wombs of many patients.
Some of them then complained to the medical council about the three consultants who had written the report supporting his work.
Today the group which represents many of the women, Patient Focus, went to the council to seek permission to be present at the hearing.
However, the council turned down the application.
One of the women who had her files examined by the doctors was Cathriona Molloy. After today's decision she said she was very disappointed and upset, but not surprised.
Under the law the council could not say whether there was even a meeting today, or if there is to be a Fitness to Practice hearing.
