Dáil debates

Tuesday, 1 May 2018

National Cervical Screening Programme: Statements

 

10:15 pm

Photo of Michael CollinsMichael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It saddens me to be here tonight talking on this issue but it is vital we learn from the mistakes that have been made. Last week we saw a brave woman, Vicky Phelan, who has been diagnosed as being terminally ill with cervical cancer being dragged through the courts to fight for her right to get the truth. Vicky Phelan had a smear test in 2011 that showed no abnormalities. While a later review found this was incorrect, the information was kept from Vicky Phelan for almost three years. In the court case, the State and laboratory used all their resources to fight against the brave woman and her family. This unfortunately shows how our State deals with vulnerable people. It is almost 20 years since the contaminated blood scandal became known and our State fully defended itself against these people, some of whom were on their death beds. Are there any other concerns with BreastCheck, cervical screening or bowel screening? Does the Minister have any concerns?

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