The North Belfast MLA stated: "The three reports published today by the Southern Trust and the Public Health Agency make for concerning but unsurprising reading. Unfortunately, they do not tell us much that we did not already know.
"The devastating deaths of two women arising from the misreading of smears is a major failing of our Health Service, and makes the lack of new information from the Health Minister, Southern Trust and PHA even more concerning.
"The Minister's statement today is at times contradictory, on occasions acknowledging underperformance, but on others seemingly dismissing it. This is reflected further within the reports, with one containing reference to a so-called 'perception' of issues with individual screeners, despite another acknowledging underperformance.
“Alliance has been engaging with women impacted by this scandal, and they are not satisfied following the publication of these reports. A number of significant questions remain regarding accountability, scrutiny and governance arrangements within the Trust and PHA - most notably, the fundamental issue of how this was allowed to continue for so long without being recognised remains.
"There is palpable disappointment at the Minister's decision to not call for a statutory public inquiry into these events, and we do not support yet another report looking back on the work already undertaken. Frankly, what's the point?
"This issue is not going away and these women deserve a public inquiry to uncover the full truth, establish accountability, and ensure such failures never happen again. In the meantime, we will continue to fight for lessons to be learned, not just for women in the Southern Trust, but those in other areas such as the Western Trust who have also been impacted."
"The devastating deaths of two women arising from the misreading of smears is a major failing of our Health Service, and makes the lack of new information from the Health Minister, Southern Trust and PHA even more concerning.
"The Minister's statement today is at times contradictory, on occasions acknowledging underperformance, but on others seemingly dismissing it. This is reflected further within the reports, with one containing reference to a so-called 'perception' of issues with individual screeners, despite another acknowledging underperformance.
“Alliance has been engaging with women impacted by this scandal, and they are not satisfied following the publication of these reports. A number of significant questions remain regarding accountability, scrutiny and governance arrangements within the Trust and PHA - most notably, the fundamental issue of how this was allowed to continue for so long without being recognised remains.
"There is palpable disappointment at the Minister's decision to not call for a statutory public inquiry into these events, and we do not support yet another report looking back on the work already undertaken. Frankly, what's the point?
"This issue is not going away and these women deserve a public inquiry to uncover the full truth, establish accountability, and ensure such failures never happen again. In the meantime, we will continue to fight for lessons to be learned, not just for women in the Southern Trust, but those in other areas such as the Western Trust who have also been impacted."