Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Let us talk about what that means in a practical sense. There are 250,000 smear tests every year and if everybody with a concern wants a test, how will the system take it? The Minister has assured us the resources will be there.

I know many GPs. How in the name of God will they be able to do that? They are asking those questions tonight. We have to give public assurance by other mechanisms. We have to be practical and realistic. Will the Minister consider instructing that a qualified sampling process be done to give assurances to the women of Ireland and the public? Will he also ensure there is an immediate programme of promotion and media engagement by the appropriate people to address this issue? Please consider the sampling issue. We have got to be realistic and honest with people. There are 250,000 tests a year. This a practical not a political point. Given everybody who is concerned, and they no doubt have concerns, the system cannot take it. Please look at alternatives and take my suggestion onboard to give assurances to the public. Statistically, if that comes out at what we expect, it would give the women of Ireland greater assurance.

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