Fianna Fáil Councillor, John Paul Feeley called for immediate political accountability for the total cervical cancer debacle rather than establishing another Tribunal of Enquiry.
‘The recent revelations about the cervical screening programme has done massive damage to the entire notion of health screening. We have to encourage people to take up appointments offered under the Cervical Cancer Screening Programme and also Breastcheck. I and I am sure every public representative in the country have spoken to people with concerns about checks they have had under either scheme. I urge them all to immediately contact their GP.’
‘Minister Harris and the CEO of the HSE Mr. O’Brien seem to conveniently know little about what actually happened. It seems extraordinary that the fact the State was involved in such a sensitive case involving a US lab and a major national screening programme was not discussed with both the CEO of the HSE and the Minister for Health. It begs the question that if this is not brought to the Ministers attention exactly what is on his desk.’
‘In recent weeks we have had Denis Naughton given a free pass on his ‘split personality’ response and now Minister Harris is getting a free pass on this serious matter. It seems normal political accountability has been suspended until such time as the referendum is dealt with at the end of the month. It seems the political establishment are determined to insure nothing gets in the way of their current objective’
‘I urge anyone with concerns about their previous screening results to seek medical attention urgently and I also urge anyone who has been affected by these disgraceful events to pursue this matter vigorously through the courts. It is only through the Courts that any mistakes in the HSE are properly held to account.’
ENDS
John Paul Feeley
Fianna Fáil Member of Cavan County Council
