Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 3 July 2019

Select Committee on Health

CervicalCheck Tribunal Bill 2019: Committee Stage

Photo of Louise O'ReillyLouise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I indicated my concerns when we discussed this issue previously. This was one such concern. I also said it was not about being the one to propose the amendment or "winning" when it came to chalking up amendments. It is about getting it right. Access is key. We must deal with anything that will act as a barrier to access. We all know that if we want to ensure something will go on for a very long time and it will cost a lot money, more lawyers should be involved. That must be balanced against the need women will have for advice. We might regard this as a non-adversarial process, but it certainly will not be for the women involved. It will be extremely traumatising for many people who will have to go back over what was a very traumatic time in their life in an environment with people who are legally trained. They should not have to go into that arena without receiving sufficient advice, support and representation, as required. The amendments have been ruled out of order, but I hope the Minister understands the spirit behind them. I am disappointed that there is no amendment to cover the issue, but I hope the Minister will return with an amendment, bearing in mind, as I mentioned, that time is extremely tight. There is nobody in the room who would object to women having access to this process. That is what we want. However, there are barriers that must be acknowledged and addressed.

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