Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Across Ireland today there are many thousands of women who are terrified following the revelations about the CervicalCheck screening programme. Following an audit of women diagnosed with cervical cancer, we know that 208 women should have been told and had earlier interventions. It beggars belief that 162 of these women were not told, and, from what has been said today, may not yet have been told about the outcome of the audit process. Of the 162, we now know that 17 have died.

The only audit carried out was of those who had developed cancer. Is it true that no other smear test result has been rechecked? Women and their families need reassurance that their health will be our paramount consideration in the days ahead and that they will receive the best advice, the best healthcare and the best support possible. The Minister for Health, Deputy Simon Harris, established a helpline. However, it is not clear who should be ringing it. Has a particular group of women been identified? Is there a concern about a particular age cohort, region of the country or date on which the tests were taken? There is not so far an identifiable cohort of women that the HSE believes is at risk; therefore, all women who have been tested are anxious and all are suspicious about their test results.

The first port of call for any woman concerned is likely to be her own general practitioner, GP. As far as we know, no guidelines have been provided for GPs on how to deal with the concerned calls they are receiving. The Government's first duty was to reassure women and put all of the necessary supports and guidances in place. Will all women be retested? That is the logical next step in providing reassurance, but is it a practical proposition?

The Taoiseach also announced yesterday that a statutory inquiry would be established through the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA. When HIQA carries out an inquiry, it is based on examining the systems and processes in place in a particular health facility. It was not set up under the Act to carry out a fact-finding inquiry to answer all of the questions that arise in this matter. It also cannot cross-examine witnesses under oath and I am advised that it is highly unlikely that it will be able to make findings of contested fact against any individual. The Department of Health, of course, does not come within HIQA's statutory remit. For these reasons, I ask the Taoiseach to think again. Will the Government establish a proper inquiry to investigate what happened? A commission of investigation is obviously required. Will the Taoiseach begin the drafting of terms of reference for a commission of inquiry and begin today to consult all interested parties?

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