Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is extremely shocking and totally unacceptable that State bodies have been accused of obstructing the CervicalCheck inquiry. The chairman of the scoping inquiry, Dr. Scally, has voiced concern and frustration about the delays in receiving the relevant information and about the manner in which he is receiving it. Legal representatives of the families have voiced their frustration about the difficulty in obtaining information. I am sure the Leader of the House will agree that this is simply not good enough and that the Government needs to get a grip on it. The women who have been affected by the issue and their families are continuing to be treated in a shocking, shameful and totally unacceptable manner. First, the information was withheld from them and their families. Now they cannot even obtain the relevant information. As one of the affected women put it, "This is my body and these are my records." I ask the Leader to impress the urgency of the situation on the Government, in particular, the Taoiseach and the Minister for Health. It is too late for some of the women and families who have been affected. For others, time is a luxury they do not have too much of.

I would like to conclude on a more joyful note. Local authorities and municipal district committees all over the country traditionally elect new cathaoirligh at this time of year. I ask the Cathaoirleach to indulge me for one moment as I offer my congratulations to the Independent councillor Ian McGarvey from Ramelton, County Donegal who was elected as cathaoirleach of Letterkenny municipal district committee yesterday. I am singling him out because he will reach the grand young age of 88 years next month. At a time when we are encouraging young and old people to enter politics, he is a great example of someone who is very active. He is a shining light to us all. He shows us that age should never be a barrier to being active and involved in the community.