Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

I wish to elaborate on the same subject. Philomena Canning was suspended by the HSE on grounds of malpractice. Several investigations proved this was wrong and she was vindicated. Now, facing death from cancer, she finds herself facing a vindictive HSE, which is refusing to settle with and deal with her. We are asking the Taoiseach to have compassion for a woman whose life was characterised by compassion. Being a midwife is about being compassionate to both the mother and expected baby. Philomena was a midwife all her life and she fought for women to have the right to control how their children's births are conducted. She is an extraordinary, compassionate woman facing and uncompassionate HSE. We ask the Taoiseach and the Minister for Health, Deputy Simon Harris, to show compassion for this most compassionate woman and force the HSE to settle with her so she can live what life she has left with dignity and free of pain.

See this speech in context