Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have also seen Dr. Scally's reports in which he found serious difficulties with regard to procurement and a number of other issues. I do not have his words in front of me, but he did say that he did not find anything to be substandard or that there were any safety concerns. On top of that, we now have the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists answering the question as to whether the programme working effectively. As I said to the Chair at the start of this meeting, I am conscious that this committee is hearing directly from RCOG next week and that it would be clumsy of me to endeavour to explain its work when it is more qualified to do so itself.

I will now address the question on audit. Dr. Henry may wish to add to my response. I know a number of groups are doing work on interval cancers, following Dr. Scally's recommendations. Audit is a really good thing. This debacle arose from an audit that was intended to disclose but never did, thereby causing people a lot of pain and hurt. It is really important that we get audit right. That is a key recommendation made by Dr. Scally. Deputy Kelly has made a point vociferously several times and I believe Deputy Bríd Smith is making a similar point. They are asking about the people affected today. There is no audit ongoing. When the audits recommence, will these people be covered? I cannot pre-empt the expert group review but my view is that these people absolutely have to be covered. Dr. Henry may also have a view. There cannot be a gap in my view but, obviously, I want to follow the expert group's recommendations. Dr. Henry may have information to offer the committee in that regard. This might be helpful but-----