Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The bona fides here are absolutely 100%. The amendments tabled by Deputy Smith and me are more or less the same because they are taken from the hepatitis C tribunal. This tribunal can establish its own rules and procedures. I appreciate what other Deputies have said about linking and the difference between hepatitis C and cancer but it is undeniable that there are linkages when it comes to the recurrence of cancer. We all know this and we have seen it here.

From my perspective, I will push this amendment, although not today, if the matter is not resolved. I will be very happy to have discussions with the Minister on agreeing a joint amendment. I do not believe the legislation can go through without dealing with this because, as Deputy Smith said, this is one of the main reasons women may not go to the tribunal. It limits the ability of the tribunal to bring about finality. In some cases, unfortunately, the women do not know what their future is and this is the situation they have been left in. If the Minister cannot bring forward an amendment, I will certainly press mine on Report Stage. I believe in the spirit of the legislation, and the spirit in which the Minister is dealing with it, but he should reflect on this matter and bring forward an amendment. By the way, a time limit could be applied in this regard, for example, a period of five years from commencement or from the point at which the case is settled. We can work on this but not dealing with it is not an option.