Fiona O'Loughlin (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I take this opportunity to thank the Minister for sanctioning the drug patisiran last weekend. It was wonderful news for the cohort of 35 patients who have amyloidosis. I am delighted for Pat Tinsley, about whom I have spoken to the Minister and whose situation I have raised several times in the House. This is a life-changing drug. While I appreciate that the access programme has to be put in place, this news is a lifeline for many. I thank the Minister for it.

I also thank him for all the work he has done in the area of women's health since he came into office. Within a relatively short period, he has put in place funding for more gynaecology services, enhanced endometriosis services and fertility clinics. He has appointed a clinical lead for women's health and accepted the Free Provision of Period Products Bill 2021 that was tabled by our colleague, Senator Clifford-Lee. The Bill the Minister is working on at the moment to do with assisted human reproduction is very important. Senator Ardagh and I have been working closely with his officials on the issue of IVF. There is also the matter of the issues that have arisen during the Covid period and the health challenges they present.

Turning to the Bill that is before us, I want to express my compassion and understanding for, and solidarity with, all the women and their families who have been impacted by cervical cancer. There are children, sadly, who have lost their mums. This is a moment to reflect on what the women affected have gone through and the challenges ahead of them. I welcome the extension that is proposed in the Bill for receipt of claims by the tribunal. There will be an initial six-month extension, to 26 January next year, and a further extension to 6 July 2022. Reference was made to the smaller than anticipated number of women taking up the tribunal process. It is important for us to outline why this option is a good one. Women eligible to present to the tribunal under the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists review are currently at a disadvantage in terms of time limits. That is why this provision is particularly important. It gives an opportunity for potential claimants to consider how effectively the tribunal deals with claims it has received to date. The dedicated case management process operated by the tribunal means claims can be brought to a stage where mediation may take place much faster than is the case for a new claim lodged with the High Court.It is important that those who have already started court proceedings have the option to come back to the tribunal. As Senator Chambers has outlined, it is also an opportunity to talk again about the importance of the screening process. Over 6,000 women are referred for early treatment every year. Cervical screening continues to have a highly significant value for population health in our country. The introduction last year of the human papillomavirus screening test is a significant milestone for the screening programme.

It is my view and that of my party that the tribunal offers a more suitable and less adversarial alternative to the courts for dealing with eligible claims. We know it may be several years before all claims are dealt with in the courts. This is beyond the control of the Government. By establishing the tribunal, the Government and Minister have provided an alternative forum with the exclusive purpose of dealing with the claims promptly. The outreach programme put in place is to be commended. The tribunal has a number of significant advantages and it is the best possible forum. I wish the Minister well in his continued work.