Dr. Tony Holohan:

The straight answer to the Deputy's question is "No". I am not yet satisfied about that. The Scally report sets out some very important findings and highlights some very significant deficiencies in a number of respects. The Deputy has referenced some of the areas in question, such as training. The report brings it right back to the very point the Deputy has made about culture. Ultimately, this is about changing the culture. Things like training and changes in legislation, policy and practice contribute to that culture. Ultimately, this is about the difficult job of changing the culture. Dr. Scally has left us with a set of 50 recommendations. The Minister has publicly made clear his intention regarding the recommendation on implementation. It is intended that we will frame an implementation plan within three months of publication and bring that plan back to the Government, with all the implications that would have, including some of the things referred to by the Deputy. Perhaps it would also include a need for some additional legislative measures. I would not rule that out. The process is under way. It is happening under the auspices of the CervicalCheck steering committee, which includes patients, patient organisations, the HSE, some clinical organisations, the Department and others. The committee is overseeing the whole process of implementation planning. It will present, through the Minister, a plan for approval by the Cabinet by the end of the year. It is only when we have implemented that plan, the totality of what it provides for or implies in terms of legislation and resources and the pathway it lays out, that we will be able to say that we have assurance in respect of the things Dr. Scally has found. We are at the start of that journey.