Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Some say that doctors differ and patients die. Others say that doctors differ and patients survive. The core issue is that the public, the women of Ireland and, indeed, this House deserve answers in respect of this saga. Deputy Donnelly spoke about the need for clearer communication. I have no doubt that, in her humility and suffering, Vicky Phelan would like us to seek solutions in order to ensure that solutions will be found to the problems that have arisen in respect of smear tests. Is the Minister in a position to give new confidence to the ordinary women of Ireland? Can he reassure the House not only that the rescreening will be offered to all women involved but also that, particularly for those who are concerned, current smear test samples will be the subject of retests, and that there will be clear individual timelines in this regard. What steps will he take to ensure that the results of medical tests - whether smear tests or others - and what is often described as bad news for patients will be conveyed truthfully in the context of all diagnoses, and that this will be enshrined in a patients' charter of rights?

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