Gerald Nash (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 7, line 6, after “audit” to insert “or otherwise”.

This is a straightforward amendment which was proposed in the Dáil by my colleague, Deputy Kelly. It provides for broadening the scope of the women who can be included in the tribunal. I would appreciate the Minister's view on this.

I would also like to say, as I am sure the Minister has anticipated, that it is important for him to put his views on the record of the House in respect of the revelations overnight about CervicalCheck screening. We all listened with horror to the testimony from Sharon on "Morning Ireland" this morning as well as to the contribution of Lorraine Walsh. Confidence in the cervical screening process is critically important, as the Minister has said many times. In fairness to the strong advocates who spoke this morning, they have always said that. It is bizarre that we are in this situation. I will not say that nothing has been learned but mistakes are still being made and the loop is not being closed. General practitioners need to be included in the loop. As I understand from the women's comments this morning, GPs did not have the information to give to women who had had smear tests done. It is extraordinary. The longer people have to wait, the more concerned they become about their health. What is the Minister's view? Will he provide any clarity on what emerged overnight? I am not at all accusing the Minister of deliberately concealing this. I would not do that. However, there was a view expressed by the Fianna Fáil spokesperson for health on the Seán O'Rourke programme today that the issue was not brought to the attention of the Dáil yesterday. The Dáil is now in summer recess but the Minister has the opportunity in the Seanad to make his views clear. I have no doubt that the women in the 221+ group and all the women of Ireland would appreciate hearing his views as a means to provide confidence around this process.