John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I suggest that we get a reply from Mr. Breen, because Deputy McGrath raised that earlier on, and I think Deputy Doherty raised it. What it boils down to is the role that the HSE can play in suing the laboratory and not putting the women through all of the court cases that will emerge out of this. It is to examine the documentation, the agreements between the HSE and the laboratories, the State Claims Agency's role in all of this, and to try to find a way of protecting the women and getting their rights at the same time rather than have them go to court. I know this may not be Mr. Breen's area, but it is a point that was made, and I think it is worth considering. Every effort must now be made by the State to work with the women and ensure that they get what they are entitled to, and not to have protracted court cases with this American company making life difficult and adding further cost in human terms to the individuals and the families concerned. I would urge the State Claims Agency, the Government and whoever else is involved to take on board, please, what the members are saying.