Philomena Canning is an independent midwife. Unfortunately, she is dying. She has a terminal diagnosis. Will the Taoiseach intervene with the HSE and Minister for Health to ensure a settlement is quickly made with Philomena? She has been battling with the HSE ever since she was suspended from her position in 2014. That case has been drawn out. Now Philomena's life is nearing a close and she is asking that the HSE settle and that she be allowed access to Pembrolizumab and other life-enhancing drugs.

I do not need to tell the Taoiseach that the name Brigid McCole has haunted Fine Gael for decades. Please do not let the case of Philomena Canning become another shameful episode, involving very ill women, in the history of this Government and the establishment. We saw in respect of cervical cancer screening how people had to go to court. The Taoiseach said this would not happen. Will he intervene to ensure a speedy settlement and to allow Philomena to live out her days with quality of life?

I wish to elaborate on the same subject. Philomena Canning was suspended by the HSE on grounds of malpractice. Several investigations proved this was wrong and she was vindicated. Now, facing death from cancer, she finds herself facing a vindictive HSE, which is refusing to settle with and deal with her. We are asking the Taoiseach to have compassion for a woman whose life was characterised by compassion. Being a midwife is about being compassionate to both the mother and expected baby. Philomena was a midwife all her life and she fought for women to have the right to control how their children's births are conducted. She is an extraordinary, compassionate woman facing and uncompassionate HSE. We ask the Taoiseach and the Minister for Health, Deputy Simon Harris, to show compassion for this most compassionate woman and force the HSE to settle with her so she can live what life she has left with dignity and free of pain.

The Taoiseach acknowledged previously how brutal it can be for a woman who has to deal with the HSE through the courts. We know, therefore, that point is not lost on him. Philomena Canning is dying. It is not unreasonable to ask the Taoiseach not to force or direct the HSE but to intervene personally on grounds of compassion and because this woman has delivered hundreds of babies in the State. She is now nearing the end of her days. She wants access to drugs that have the potential to lengthen her life. She is a medical professional and knows what her situation is but she does not want to spend the remainder of her life battling the HSE.

The Taoiseach has previously acknowledged that it can be brutal when women have to battle with the HSE. I ask him please to intervene.

First, I am very sorry to hear that Philomena Canning is so unwell. The information I have been given is that a settlement has been offered and the matter is between the solicitors for the HSE and Ms Canning's solicitor. It is not possible for me to intervene in a legal case of this nature but the information I have is that a settlement was offered.

It is absolutely possible for the Taoiseach to intervene.