Mary O'Rourke (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

I came in to do as Deputy Burton did, to thank the Minister for her apology to the House this morning and to the women who feel so let down by what has happened in the health service. It is also to the credit of the Deputies who agreed so readily that we are having this full debate. We are constantly told the Dáil does not reflect what is in ferment in the country but the state of the health service, particularly breast cancer services, has the country in ferment at present. While running an errand to Brown Thomas during Priority Questions, 11 women stopped me between here and Grafton Street to describe what had happened to their relatives and neighbours and all had awful tales to tell. I admit, however, that we also meet people at our clinics who have had positive experiences of treatment for maladies other than cancer. No doubt a great deal of good service is also provided.

I am astonished Professor Drumm actually said that people marching caused the misdiagnoses. We have a constitutional right to assemble and march. We do not live in a State which forbids us to attend an assembly. I understand the connection he was trying to make but it was surprising that he said it so baldly and badly.

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