Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I had misunderstood the speaking situation this evening. I thought we would still be able to ask questions, but obviously it is statements at this stage.

The fundamental issue that goes to the core of the matter is the withholding of vital information. Why was Ms Phelan's doctor not told of the mistake with her case until 2016? The audit had identified that the issue took place in 2014. A key question is who took the decision to withhold this vital piece of information for two years. This is the nub of the issue. Who made the decision to allow Vicky Phelan to walk around for two years thinking she was cancer free when she could have been undergoing treatment? This is a simple question but it goes to the core of the issue.

The note received by the Minister from the HSE, which I am sure the HSE never expected to be circulated publicly, is an absolute insult to the Minister for Health. The note informed the Minister of the 2011 falsely reported negative screening test. The note informed the Minister that a routine screening in 2014 detected high grade abnormalities and that the patient was diagnosed with cervical cancer in July 2014. Why did the note not inform the Minister that neither Vicky Phelan nor her doctor were told of this diagnosis until 2016? The note to the Minister told him certain specifics but it left out the fundamental issues. The note never alluded to the other 207 cases that had emerged. I am stunned by this note. What is not included in the note is as important as what was included. The note then had the audacity to suggest a quote for the Minister of Health about Vicky Phelan who has a terminal illness due to inaction by the HSE and by withholding information. The quote suggested by the HSE for use by the Minister was: "I acknowledge the severe distress that this issue has caused to the patient involved, and to her family." This is cold comfort to Vicky Phelan, to her husband, to her two children and to her extended family. This cold culture of secrecy and the arrogant and unfeeling attitude in the HSE will have to change. It is absolutely sickening that Vicky Phelan was dragged through the courts because of the HSE's inadequacies.

See this speech in context