Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I read that the figure is 25% in parts of the United States. I would like to make a final comment. Mr. Breslin will understand why I am saying this. As Deputy Connolly said, even though this is substantially an historic matter, one of the specific reasons we are here today is the case of the late Brigid McCole. It was just a few weeks ago that we spoke about the case of Emma Mhic Mhathúna in the context of the cervical cancer issue. The public sees a connection when these cases of medical negligence arise. The State had a responsibility 15 years ago and following a tribunal, €1.5 billion in compensation was rightly due to those affected. Fifteen years later, it looks as if we are starting down the exact same road again. All of our successors who are here in 15 years' will talk about the cost of that. I am worried that some other case will come up at that stage and the wheel will start turning again. That is where broader learning is needed. Every time there is a problem, we try to solve it. We cannot foresee everything that might happen. People have a sense of "Here we go again". I ask Mr. Breslin to make an observation on that. He can understand people feeling that they are not totally disconnected from these issues, even though medically they are. I am sure Mr. Breslin understands the point I am making.