Aontú's Response to Taoiseach's Apology to the Women and Families who suffered because of CervicalCheck

Aontús Response to Taoiseachs Apology to the Women and Families who suffered because of CervicalCheck

Speaking in relation to the Taoiseach's apology to women affected by the CervicalCheck Scandal, Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín TD stated:

"Aontú welcomes this apology, but wishes to place firmly on the record that we are not satisfied with the status quo.

"Last year the Taoiseach promised that this government would not be forcing terminally-ill women through the courts. That promise was never followed through, and terminally ill women have been taken through the courts since then. Terminally ill women who win cases against the state are the subject of appeal proceedings by the state. This is not acceptable, and I can fully understand why many of the women affected may not accept this apology, because normally when a member of this government utters the word 'sorry' it is qualified.

"Over the past number of years we have seen a trail of scandals, lies, broken promises, government ministers deflecting from questions, burying their heads in the sand and emerging when they have their script well rehearsed.

"We have seen HSE and Department officials threaten confidentiality agreements and dictate to some of the brave women affected, what they are permitted to say and what they are not permitted to say. We have seen the Minister for Health questioning the integrity of brave and outspoken women such as Sharon Butler Hughes."

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.