CervicalCheck controversy continues
Members continued disputing the handling of the screening programme, including who was responsible and how the issue should be framed. The Chair curtailed attempts at immediate replies as the debate became increasingly partisan.
I remind Senators that they are debating a matter which is on the agenda for tomorrow.
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I respect that but in fairness, Senator Conway was being most provocative because he talked about-----
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He was replying to the Senator's leader who was equally partisan in that line.
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She was far more provocative, if I may say so.
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She is in a very good position----
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-----as a woman. When I saw five men being wheeled out on RTÉ last Sunday night to explain the situation I said - my God! - what kind of Department would have five men dealing with cervical cancer?
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Well, it is actual fact. I was in that Department for a period of time and-----
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What depths the Senator will go to.
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-----it was a male-dominated Department at that time. It has not changed very much.
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Who was in charge of the cervical screening programme at that time?
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Sometimes a reply needs to be instantaneous.