Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 13 February 2019

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health

CervicalCheck Screening Programme Update: Discussion

Photo of Alan KellyAlan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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The fact of the matter is that women are getting their slides reviewed independently. The RCOG review was never realistic in its targets or timelines. I am glad Mr. Breslin is saying it will be done within six months. On day 15 in the High Court, Ruth Morrisey's case is proceeding. This is a very sensitive matter. The fact this woman is having to go through what she is having to go through with a terminal diagnosis is scandalous. Mr. Justice Meenan's report set up the tribunal. The Taoiseach made commitments on the "Six One News" and to Vicky Phelan in face-to-face meetings. I am being kind in saying that those commitments were not accurate or realistic.

As I understand it, this legislation is highly complex. It is the first time that such legislation has been drafted to set up such a tribunal. There is Brexit and other priorities of Government. Yesterday a judge in the High Court said he is going to have to start doing two cases a day, one before lunch and one after lunch, because there is such a backlog and there is not enough court space and there are not enough judges. It is scandalous that these women and their families are having to go through this. Is priority being given to this legislation in order that we can get this up and running as soon as possible to prevent these women having to go through the court and that the Oireachtas can provide this tribunal in order that we can do our bit to honour what the Taoiseach did not do?