Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I extend my deepest sympathies and those of my party to Vicky's friends and family, particularly her husband, Jim, and her children, Amelia and Darragh. I met Vicky on a number of occasions and she was one of the most impressive people I have ever met. There was something about her that was hard to define. She is an example to us all, a woman of limitless strength, courage and compassion. Without Vicky, the CervicalCheck non-disclosure debacle would never have come to light. Thanks to her advocacy, we can start to build a better culture in our health service, one that treats patients with respect, which is never paternalistic, gives them all of the information about them that is available and always tells the truth.

In one of her most powerful statements, she demanded action, change and accountability. She did see some of that come to fruition in her lifetime through the implementation of the Scally report. The action taken means a new and more accurate way to examine the smear test is now in place and the vaccine has been extended to boys. In respect of change, funding has been allocated for a new laboratory in the Coombe to reduce the need for outsourcing. In respect of accountability, the Patient Safety (Notifiable Patient Safety Incidents) Bill 2019, which is working its way through these Houses, requires mandatory open disclosure and restorative meetings between women and their consultants. I know that work must continue and it is far from complete. As the Taoiseach said, we must enact the patient safety Bill as soon as possible.

Cervical cancer is a terrible disease, but it is a disease we can eradicate in our lifetime and we should strive to do so.

Before I finish, I restate the apology I made on behalf of all of us, as Taoiseach, to the women and their loved ones who were hurt by the failures in how cervical screening operated in Ireland. When preparing for that apology, I met many of the families whose lives were turned upside down. I know that for those who campaigned and travelled this journey with Vicky, particularly those in the 221+ patient support group, her loss will be more painfully felt than we can ever imagine. I know they will continue to stand up for the women of Ireland and we must continue to listen.

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