Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

My colleagues have referenced the next matter I want to discuss. Much attention has been given to the length of time it is taking for the women affected and their solicitors to get the slides from the laboratories. One solicitor has very publicly said that three clients were waiting more than three months for their slides after having agreed to the protocol release of the slides, and we know that one person has had to go to the High Court and instigate legal proceedings to get the slides. That person's court appearance will happen in the near future. Is it true that the HSE has hired a firm to deal with the requests for slides? If so, why? This firm will be separate from any solicitors dealing with actual cases. This firm of solicitors is dealing solely with the release of slides.

Why is this delay happening? These women have gone through enough. I am very clued in to how the 221+ CervicalCheck Patient Support Group campaign came about. Lorraine Walsh has created fantastic slides on this matter. These women all have an issue. They are legally entitled to these slides. Why is there a delay?