Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Independent Group I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Vicky Phelan. Death always comes too soon, but at 48 and after suffering so many years of pain, both physical and mental, it was just heart-breaking for Vicky, for her husband Jim, for her children Amelia and Darragh, for her wider family, and her friends in the 221+ support group.

Vicky will be remembered for her courage in refusing to walk away quietly when she knew that her stand would make a real difference in improving Ireland's cervical screening services. Vicky will be remembered for her brutal honesty regarding her illness. Her words opened the door for other women to speak up and speak out about how certain women's health issues have been hidden as if shameful, and neglected as if they were not important. Vicky will be remembered for her compassion for others and the many ways she reached out giving hope, for it was badly needed.

Vicky was fully committed to all women who were using CervicalCheck, despite the fact that she had been failed in this regard. She also expressed her full support for the human papillomavirus, HPV, vaccine. She saw both of these services as essential to women's health.

Vicky was a strong, warm, beautiful, and tenacious woman. We in this House have a duty to ensure her legacy of a quality cervical screening service and full transparency to patients is ensured. I thank Vicky and may she rest in peace.

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