Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of my group I express sincere sympathies and condolences to the families of the two young women so tragically killed in recent days, Jastine Valdez and Anastasia Kriegel. I am sure all colleagues will want to join in that.

Perhaps the Leader could arrange to have a debate after the referendum on women's health. I hope, as do all who are canvassing for a "Yes" vote on Friday, that we will wake up on Saturday morning to a more inclusive, caring and compassionate Ireland if the "Yes" vote prevails, which I very much hope it will. It is so important for women's health that we see a change to our law to enable us finally to reform the law on abortion, to lift the absolute bar that exists in the Constitution, and to allow us to legislate for the many women who need to be able to access abortion care services here in Ireland. Anyone who has been canvassing across the country, as I have in recent weeks, will be conscious of how many people accept that the law is too restrictive and that after 35 years it is time for a change. I wish everyone canvassing the very best and hope that the "Yes" vote will prevail on Friday.

Could I also ask the Leader for a debate on a related matter, namely, CervicalCheck? I received much correspondence from many who have been affected by that, both women and men, who have been bereaved because partners or wives have died of cervical cancer and are now deeply concerned about the accuracy of the CervicalCheck system and also concerned about the communication strategies within the HSE, and with consultants and CervicalCheck itself. People are still looking for reassurance in that regard. I know everyone will follow the Scally inquiry closely. On Saturday a group of people gathered at Leinster House to express their concern about the very real issues that still remain on CervicalCheck. We clearly need greater transparency around the guidelines on communication. I know we have had debates on it in the House but we might have an ongoing debate on it, as on other important issues of women's health.

On a positive note I very much thank all those involved in making Friday evening's event in the Seanad Chamber such a success. We held an event as part of the Vótáil 100 programme to commemorate the centenary of women's suffrage in conjunction with the National Museum. It went very well. We had a big crowd in attendance. It was wonderful to see the great interaction with audience members and to get so much support from Oireachtas staff - ushers, communications staff and all of those involved. I thank everyone involved. I also thank the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, CPP, which initially gave permission for the use of the Chamber for this event and for a number of other events run in conjunction with the National Museum.