Pauline O'Reilly (Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Today, we are thinking of Emma Mhic Mhathúna and her family. It is appropriate that we put those who were impacted at the centre of this debate. Nothing we do can bring back the women who lost their lives. This tribunal can bring about some justice but it cannot do all that those impacted want it to do. The Minister recognises that and it is the advice that we have before us. It also does not change the fact that women are entitled to go to the High Court. Time and again there are scandals related to women's healthcare. It is ten years since Vicky Phelan's smear test and we are still discussing the issue. It is absolutely right that we extend the timeline. I am happy to note that more people have come forward since this legislation was first debated in the Dáil. The Minister also said that more people are indicating their intention to come forward. That is welcome.

There needs to be a proper investigation by the State in regard to what happened around justice and healthcare during the pandemic that has impacted women more than men. The cyberattack and the pandemic have influenced this amendment. We know that women and children have been impacted more by the pandemic than men. We need to have a proper investigation in that regard.

Time and again, we talk about putting something on the table that will restore trust in the Irish State. It is right that we would do that, but we have a long way to go. The restoration of trust meeting is welcome but unless we have a broader conversation around the role and place of women in this State and the support that Departments give to women it will not do what we need it to do.