Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I concur with colleagues in relation to Senator Norris. I will circulate a copy of the publication in question. The Senator has confirmed that what he said in the interview was correct and that is his decision. He has good plans. We wish him well and we will have another opportunity to celebrate. I thank in particular Senator Mark Daly and other members of the portraits committee. Despite huge opposition, as Senator Norris said, his portrait is hung high in Leinster House. I think he is one of the only active politicians in Leinster House to have his portrait on display in the House.

On another matter, today is the anniversary of the death of Vicky Phelan. We are all united, as people were then. Ms Phelan is dead one year today. On "Newstalk Breakfast" this morning, her friend and fellow campaigner Stephen Teap spoke about her life, her fight for women's healthcare and the impact she had on the country, which has been profound. Vicky Phelan will be remembered for her bravery and fighting spirit. I call on my colleagues in Seanad Éireann to campaign to end the restriction of cervical smear tests to women aged over 25 years and for all smear testing to be conducted in Ireland, as was promised. Women in Ireland deserve better.I have news of a woman who is a student and who yesterday had to pay €150 for a smear test. It is unacceptable. We should rally together, we should use our political might, our political force and our political contacts to have that issue addressed immediately but let us remember the courageous Vicky Phelan today, one year on. She did this State much service.