Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The news broke earlier in the year of the CervicalCheck smear scandal and it is most unfortunate that, as a result of this, women have lost their lives. Emma Mhic Mhathúna - rest in peace - was one of those women who campaigned tirelessly until her death on 7 October. Her death is a result of both human error and lack of accountability by the laboratory, the HSE and the Department of Health, under the watchful eye of numerous Governments.

No one in the country will ever forget the interview Ms Mhic Mhatúna did last May on the "Morning Ireland" radio programme where she said she was dying when she did not need to die. This has now come to pass and along with other women, she has lost her life at 37 years of age due to human error. This is unforgivable and there is no accountability.

A number of questions remain unanswered in the midst of other distractions which need to be answered in detail. Earlier in the year it was reported that approximately 3,000 smear tests were to be rechecked. This was a matter of urgency but it has not been mentioned since the summer recess. What is the status of those approximately 3,000 smear tests, and will the Taoiseach make a statement on the matter? What are the details of these results, and have these women been contacted about same?

Over the past couple of weeks, news filtered through which suggested that a new contract was entered into with a US laboratory at the centre of the smear scandal, and clarification must be sought publicly as this is of huge importance for the health of the daughters of Ireland. Is it the case that a new contract was recently signed with the US laboratory, Quest Diagnostics? Who drew up this contract? Who advised on it? What involvement or role did the Taoiseach or Minister for Health have in this given the seriousness of this matter for the health of the women in Ireland? Is there any truth that the laboratory wanted an indemnity clause in the contract for fear of future cases, and will the Taoiseach give a clear, detailed statement on this? How could a contract be entered into with this laboratory given there are still cases pending in the courts and possibly more that have not yet come to light? Why are the Irish citizens being kept in the dark on this important matter? Will the Taoiseach make a statement taking into consideration the importance and seriousness of this issue?

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