Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I do not have time to go into it but what the Taoiseach is saying in respect of the Chief Justice and his recommendation should be dealt with. I would have a different view on what he is saying about the Ruth Morrissey judgment. I welcome what the Taoiseach said in respect of pembro and people keeping the medical cards, particularly as they are about to be taken from them.

I want to raise one other issue. The national screening service issued a new edict yesterday regarding changes to the pathway for women who have cervical concerns, bleeding, etc. They must now be triaged instead of going to colposcopists. The recommended time for referrals to be dealt with was four weeks and it now seems to be a standard eight weeks. Local HSE groups will now be asked to put in place their own rules and procedures around that. Since this whole crisis erupted, what extra resources have been put in place to ensure that women could have their issues addressed and that there will be enough colposcopists and other resources? What has been learned?

I want to ask the Taoiseach a very clear question. Dr. Gabriel Scally compiled a report on all of this, as we all know. We all welcomed that report. Does he agree with the new pathways that were put in place yesterday? Considering that he was retained by the Government post his report, was Dr. Scally consulted on this matter? Has anyone asked him? I dare say that if he was asked, he would not agree with this.

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