Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have looked at my contribution in the House on 1 May 2018. In keeping with the Taoiseach's approach from time to time, he quoted very selectively from that contribution and suggested that I attacked people and so on. I raised very legitimate questions at the time, specifically about the issue of non-disclosure. I did not cast any aspersions on the CervicalCheck screening programme. I raised questions as to who in the Department of Health knew and, indeed, the lack of communications with the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, by his departmental officials. I made the point that the communications and frenzied reaction from the State and its agencies had caused much distress to women across the country. I raised questions about non-disclosure. I am today entitled to seek that the record of the House be corrected.

In my view, officials of the Department of Health were advised by the clinical director via officials in the screening service that the decision to offer free smear tests should not proceed because it would fundamentally undermine the programme. That is a serious issue. Rather than trying to divert from that core point, questions asked in the House should be answered comprehensively. I ask the Taoiseach to ask the Minister to come to the House and correct the record in respect of that matter.

In that context, when does the Taoiseach expect the new HPV test to be rolled out and introduced? Its accuracy and precision is superior to the existing form of screening.

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