Michael Harty (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The purpose of this hearing and this committee is not to be in any way destructive. The purpose of the committee is to be constructive. I understand the misgivings the witnesses have but we are trying to be constructive. Questions have been asked about how we can improve the service. There are obvious lessons that can be learned from today's hearing. From my own experience, lack of communication leads to greater litigation. The greater the communication the less litigation there is. Fundamentally breast screening is a very important service. We do not want to in any way damage that service by having our hearing today but we want to improve the service and examine the aspects of it that can be improved.

I thank the witnesses for attending and taking time from their other work. I thank Professor Hill, Mr. McCallion, Professor O'Doherty and Professor O'Laoide for attending.