Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Thursday, 14 June 2018
Public Accounts Committee
Implications of CervicalCheck Revelations (Resumed)
9:00 am
Seán Fleming (Laois, Fianna Fail)
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That is a recording of the conversation we had at that meeting. The witnesses will understand that we left the room with a clear impression. We want the record corrected with regard to this matter. The public expects that when senior Department officials and officials from State agencies attend here there is a level of truthfulness and candour. We are entitled to believe it. We accept all the evidence we get in good faith. It is a source of major concern to us when we are alerted by somebody else that the evidence given may not have been accurate. That is why we have a duty, not only in this case but in cases involving all witnesses who come in here from week to week, to make sure evidence is accurate. If it is not accurate, witnesses should come back to us as quickly as possible and correct the record. That did not happen in this case. That is why we are here today. It adds to an issue involving delayed information and women not being informed when the national Parliament is not adequately informed. It gives a very bad impression of how the HSE is dealing with the issue. It is Mr. Connaghan's responsibility to take that forward.
At this stage, Mr. Connaghan wants to make a short statement, followed by Mr. Gleeson. Deputy O'Brien will then be the first speaker for ten minutes. We are doing ten-minute slots.