Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Do not underestimate the level of public understanding of the importance of screening. Women know full well that cervical screening and BreastCheck are essential parts of their healthcare. That is not a matter of public debate. We also know they are not diagnostic and there is no "100%". Furthermore, we know that in these cases, information was deliberately withheld from women and their families. That is the issue.

The Taoiseach tells us the first he heard of all this was on Thursday or Friday last week. I presume he is referring specifically to Ms Phelan's case. The Taoiseach was the Minister for Health in 2014. Is he saying he knew nothing about the audit or the review of the CervicalCheck scheme at the time as Minister for Health? What was his state of knowledge at that point in terms of the screening approach and, more particularly, the initiation of this audit and its findings?

The Taoiseach did not answer my question on the matter of a mandatory duty of candour. I find that very surprising as he went to some lengths to say that women and patients have a right to full information. Will the Taoiseach clarify the position? In the past the Government blocked a mandatory duty of candour and I want to hear that the Taoiseach will now support it as Head of Government. Will the Taoiseach also answer my question on Mr. Tony O'Brien, head of the Health Service Executive? Does the Taoiseach have confidence in him, because I certainly do not? Will he do what is glaringly apparent and relieve Mr. O'Brien of his duties?

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