Kate O'Connell (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I had intended starting with the opening statement, however I first turn to CervicalCheck, following the information highlighted by Mr. Breen. I understand that previously, he was clear in acknowledging that there were potentially other cases. However, from what has been highlighted here this morning, I understand there may be further deficiencies in our testing system and there may be issues with where the colposcopy tests are going. I do not believe we were aware of this before now.

There is drip-feeding of information. Here we are, on another Thursday afternoon, learning of possible further difficulties for women, which further erodes confidence in the system. I am not blaming the witnesses but we have been in this process for months. Each time someone comes in, there is another wallop to the system and damage to the testing process and screening system will mean that people will die in the future.

On the standard payment for non-disclosure, it seems obvious that women who have been affected should be afforded a payment as soon as they apply. There should be a very simple process in order that they do not have to go through the indignity of a complex process when their health is in a precarious state. What is the view of the witnesses on this? Would it not be easier to give a standard payment to those affected? As someone might be wasting €1 million on an IT system that does not work, surely it would not be too difficult to give €25,000 to women who have been affected by this. From the perspective of sums, would it not be easier to just write the cheque?