Dáil debates

Tuesday, 15 May 2018

3:35 pm

Photo of Pearse DohertyPearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Even though we are into the third week of the cervical cancer scandal, the Government has yet to get to the core of the wrongdoing in this regard. Sinn Féin wants accountability and wants to propose constructive solutions that prioritise patients above all else. As the Taoiseach will be aware, we intend to use our Private Members' time this evening to propose a motion calling on the Government to legislate for mandatory open disclosure before the summer recess. Our motion, which calls for the introduction of criminal sanctions in this regard, goes to the heart of everything about which we have learned over the past three weeks. I refer to the cultural, organisational and management failures that have been exposed during this period. I have three questions for the Taoiseach in this regard. First, will the Government support the Sinn Féin motion calling for mandatory open disclosure to be legislated for before the summer recess? Legislation to this effect has been tabled by my party's health spokesperson, Deputy O'Reilly, and is currently with the Ceann Comhairle. Second, will the Taoiseach tell us whether the cervical cancer audit and other documentation will be published later today? Two weeks ago, I asked for all documentation to be published, but the Taoiseach could not provide an answer at that point. Third, will the Taoiseach provide information in response to media commentary that despite the resignation of Mr. Tony O'Brien on Friday, he will continue to draw his full salary until July?

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