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

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. We wish Lynsey Bennett the very best as she travels to Mexico. I spoke with Lynsey on the telephone over two weeks ago with regard to her devastating situation. It is devastating for all of the women involved and their families.

In terms of the issues relating to the establishment of the tribunal, prior to this Government being established, legislation was passed in this House. All parties, including the Deputy's party, participated in that process. The issue for this Government was to establish the tribunal in line with both the Meenan recommendations and the legislation that was enacted in the House, which had the support of all political parties at the time. The nominated members were appointed to the tribunal with effect from 1 December last. This has facilitated the tribunal in starting its work.

Liability and negligence are two very important but distinct issues. Negligence has to be proven in all situations, be it before a tribunal or in a High Court setting. The laboratories in all of these cases have been prove to be negligent and the State has indemnified them. There has to be the establishment of negligence. I think that was agreed-----

See this speech in context