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

The expert review group report, which was published two years ago in 2020, is very clear on how programmatic audits should be carried out - properly and professionally. In the most recent report, Dr. Scally stated the CervicalCheck programme was greatly enhanced because Vicky Phelan and others raised very serious issues pertaining to how the programme and audits were conducted. The expert review group, which was informed by patient advocates, representatives of the 221+ group and professionals, recognised the approach of patient requested reviews. The big difference is that people going forward for screening will be told they may seek their files if, for example, an interval cancer arises between the first and the second screenings. As per the programme they will be able to get full access. Due to the amendment to the Bill, it will be mandatory for the programme to disclose all information pertaining to the individual. I will ask the Government Whip to speak to the Sinn Féin Whip about what can be done.

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