Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I extend my most sincere thanks and good wishes to Vicky Phelan. I wish to put on the record that she has done the women of Ireland a most heroic service.

Ten years ago in this House I stated my concerns, on behalf of Sinn Féin, about the process of privatising cervical cancer screening tests. That concern, unfortunately, rings true today and with the most distressing of consequences for so many women.

Questions remain and I would like them answered for the record. At which laboratory or laboratories were these screenings misread? I heard the Minister's comments earlier in this regard but I disagree with him. If these tests, or a significant number, are specific to one particular laboratory, then serious consideration should be given to ceasing any contractual arrangement with that entity.

I had intended to ask the Minister if we are absolutely at the end of this scandal and if he could clarify, without any ambiguity or doubt, if the 208 cases that had been identified will not increase in number. The Minister has now told us it is likely that it will increase. Who knew this and did not inform the Minister - as he has said - until shortly before he came into the House this evening? Who knew that information?

The Minister, Deputy Harris, has indicated that he was made aware of the then impending scandal on 16 April. The State still callously forced Ms Phelan to attend a court hearing to defend herself. How could those in the employ of the Minister and the State have been so cruel? Why was a stop not put to that immediately? I put it to the Minister, Deputy Harris, and Members of the Government who are in the Chamber, that I am tired of coming here to listen to litanies of "Sorry" to victims of scandals. "Sorry" is not good enough anymore. People want to know what is going to be done about it. People are listening to hear who is going to be held responsible. Somebody must be made accountable or else, assuredly, we will find ourselves back here once again responding to yet another tragic episode in the State's disgraceful relationship with the women of Ireland.

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