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

The Leas-Cheann Comhairle is correct. Vicky Phelan did not want eulogy or tribute. She did not want us making speeches about her in this House. It was a mark of the woman that even though her life, her illness and, ultimately, her passing was the catalyst for so much, she wanted action and she did not want it to be about her alone. She made an extraordinary impact on her country and contributed to public life and debate. She was committed to righting the wrongs that had such a devastating impact on her and her family's lives. It is right and proper that we mark and mourn her passing.

On behalf of the Government, I extend my deepest sympathies to her husband, Jim; her children, Amelia and Darragh; her parents, John and Gaby; her sister and brothers; and her entire circle of family and friends.

At a personal level, I am deeply saddened at Vicky's passing. She was a woman of extraordinary bravery, integrity and generosity of spirit. I am confident very few people would have been able or would be able to summon the poise, determination, courage and compassion she showed in her battle not just with cancer but also with the system that failed her and so many others so dismally. In her decision to reject the demand for confidentiality in her court settlement, she opened the door to truth for hundreds of other women, empowered a generation of people to demand better and forced a fundamental re-evaluation of the nation's crucially important CervicalCheck programme. Her passion for the principle of full public disclosure in the area of public health has ensured the principle is front and centre as we progress new patient safety legislation, and we need to bring that to a conclusion before the end of the year. Her remarkable advocacy for women has shifted the culture and has made a real and positive difference.

D'fhulaing sí go pearsanta ach bhí sí i gcónaí ag lorg seirbhísí agus cearta níos fearr do mhná na tíre seo. Rinne sí obair den scoth agus gaisce ar son chearta na mban in Éirinn. Bhí sí cróga misniúil agus labhair sí amach ar son an chirt i gcónaí. Ba bhean neamheaglach láidir í a lorg cothrom na Féinne do mhná na hÉireann. Leaba i measc na naomh go raibh aici.

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