CervicalCheck laboratory origins
Deputy Bríd Smith sought the laboratories responsible for the 221 false negative results and argued the Cabinet had the answer. The Tánaiste said he did not have it to hand, referred to Dr. Scally’s report on laboratory consistency and accuracy, and the Chair intervened to keep order.
I ask a simple question that I have been asking since last May about CervicalCheck. I asked Mr. Tony O'Brien, formerly of the HSE, who committed to giving me the answer to it. I asked the Minister for Health about the matter twice and he committed to giving me the answer to it. I also asked the Minister for Finance, Deputy Paschal Donohoe, when he replaced the Tánaiste today and he, too, committed to giving me the answer to it. It is a very simple question to indicate the political root of the problem with CervicalCheck. From which laboratories did the 221 misdiagnosed false negative results emanate? I believe the answer to this question will show very clearly that at the root of this tragic problem - another woman lost her life recently - is the decision to outsource women's health. I ask the question again today and for an answer to it. I know - I have seen documentation - that the answer is simple. From which laboratories did the 221 misdiagnosed false negative results come? It is a simple question, to which there is a simple answer that the Government refuses to give to me. Having committed on several occasions to give me the answer, it still refuses and has done so since last May. Imagine how frustrated women are. The answer will show that at its heart was the decision to outsource women's health.
Comment on this
You do have it. The Cabinet has it.
Comment on this
On consistency and accuracy in laboratories, I understand Dr. Scally did deal with that issue in his report. It is important to refer to it.
Comment on this
Dr. Scally diverted away from it.