Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Deputies' suggestions are very helpful and constructive. I concur that this is an issue on which we must all work and pull together and I have no doubt that we will do so. "Yes" is the short answer to Deputy Donnelly's question as to whether I will endeavour to find a mechanism to brief health spokespersons or the health committee on the legal advice or rationale behind any approach I may take. We will work out an appropriate way to so do. This is an issue on which I believe in sharing the maximum amount of information such that we can make informed decisions because there may be a need for this House to do something. There may be a need for legal clarity from the courts, legislative change or reassurance. We need to carefully tease through those questions.

I absolutely accept that there are concerns. I have heard them clearly. It is understandable that a person working on the front line of the delivery of our health service would have concerns on reading the judgment. I reiterate the call for time to seek a legal opinion. I make the point to all patients, particularly women, that our screening programmes are continuing and are safe to use. All Members would echo the fact that people should continue to use them.

A stakeholder forum is a very good idea. I have been considering it in consultation with my medical advisers and we have been trying to work out from a sequencing point of view the appropriate time to do that. The Deputies can take it as given that I will do that and will endeavour to do so quickly.

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