Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the governance structure, I am not aware of any changes but I will have to ask the director general of the HSE, which I undertake to do.

On the audit, my understanding is we will establish, as per Dr. Scally's report, a national screening committee later this year. It will interact with patients to decide how to audit appropriately, as opposed to what happened in this debacle.

On making an apology, I have done so directly to the 221 women. Nevertheless, I believe there needs to be a robust apology on behalf of the State. The Taoiseach is also very willing for that to happen and has indicated he wants to work with the patient representatives to determine how appropriately to do that. I had some initial contact with them today in that regard.

See this speech in context