Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach gave a commitment in the Dáil last week that there will be redress by the Government. The Government has had some initial conversations on the matter but has yet to make a decision on what the scheme might look like. The Taoiseach outlined in the Dáil yesterday that he believed it was sensible to establish all the facts first. I have heard some of the women impacted say that as well. A scoping inquiry has been established.

In fairness, I credit the Sinn Féin health spokesperson, Deputy O'Reilly, and others for their engagement on this matter. The structure being set up will produce answers and a report quickly. Dr. Scally will report in three weeks' time – during the first week in June. His final report will be submitted by the end of June.

We need to get this right. We need to identify exactly the number of women who were impacted. We need to establish what the redress is for and where the liability might be for the State, whether legal or moral liability. We also need to establish where the liability might be for a laboratory. We have seen the two of these interact already in the Vicky Phelan case.