Victims of the CervicalCheck scandal which has already claimed too many lives were on people’s minds at a candlelit vigil in Eyre Square on Sunday evening.
The Galway Council of Trade Unions organised the vigil as it called on the government to implement the 50 recommendations of the Scally Report into CervicalCheck.
The candlelit rally was called to commemorate Emma Mhic Mhathúna, one of the victims of this scandal who has lost her life, and all the other women affected on the holiday that traditionally celebrates women.
https://twitter.com/Jester1968/status/1082012904403148806
The Galway CoTU has said the government must implement all the recommendations in the Scally report and ensure that women have access to quality smear testing to ensure this doesn’t happen again.
Speaking to RTÉ, Marian Spelman President of the Galway CoTU said that “All we want to do today is light a candle, and remember all those who have been affected by it, and also to encourage all public representatives here in Ireland to implement the Scally Report.”
“It is wonderful that a report has been done, but reports are no good if they gather dust on shelves.”
A candlelit vigil in Eyre Square this evening with the Galway Council of Trade Unions to remember all those affected by the cervical check scandal.
The latest in the long series of failings by the State in its dealing with women and in healthcare. #implementScally #cervicalcheck pic.twitter.com/OPt16320EI— Kevin O'Hara (@KevinOHaraSF) January 6, 2019
There was a strong turnout from the people of Galway on Sunday evening, with public representatives like Mayor of Galway Niall McNelis in attendance.