Maire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Vótáil 100 committee. Today, it launched the centenary of women getting the vote in 1918. That led to Countess Markievicz being successful in her election on a Sinn Féin platform. I thank it also for the badges it has given out and I look forward to engaging with its programme of events.

I want make Members aware again of the Pearl of Wisdom campaign. I ask that they wear their badges between 28 January and 3 February to support and encourage women to avail of cervical cancer screening. Over 300 women in Ireland are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year and there are 90 fatalities. Along with the human papillomavirus vaccine, HPV, regular screening is an effective way to prevent cervical cancer. I want this House to promote that message.

In breaking news, the Irish Medical Organisation, IMO, has come out with figures showing that Ireland's hospitals are in the middle of a humanitarian crisis. Today, the number of patients on trolleys in emergency departments or on wards swelled to 644. Yesterday, the figure was lower but it has increased by 100 in less than 24 hours. I welcome the statements but I do not know how much good they will do. Hopefully, we can confirm that the Minister, Deputy Harris, will be coming in for statements on emergency waiting times in our hospitals, as well as to talk about the capacity issues and implementation and action required following the Sláintecare report.