Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 May 2018
55. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to establish a redress scheme for the women and surviving families affected by the cervical cancer screening scandal; the role of the State Claims Agency in this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21619/18]
View answerI am determined that the best result will be delivered for the affected women and their families. Therefore, it is essential to establish the facts and to agree the actions needed to address the issues raised by the Deputy. It is also important to restore the trust and confidence of women in CervicalCheck.
An independent Scoping Inquiry is being undertaken by Dr Gabriel Scally, President of the Epidemiology and Public Health section of the Royal Society of Medicine, and he is expected to issue his first report at the beginning of June, with his final report by the end of that month.
Separately, there will also be an International Clinical Expert Review panel led by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. This will be supported by expert input from the British Society of Colposcopists and Cervical Pathologists. This panel will review the results of screening tests of all women who have developed cervical cancer and who participated in CervicalCheck since its establishment. It will provide independent clinical assurance to women about the timing of their diagnosis and any issues relating to their treatment and outcome.
These two strands of investigation are crucial to firstly establish the facts, secondly determine what action is needed to address the issues, and thirdly help to restore trust and confidence of women in CervicalCheck.
Also, I intend to engage with the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Minster for Finance on whether further improvements can be made to the legal framework governing the management of medical negligence cases.
The State Claims Agency, which comes under the aegis of the Department of Finance, has a statutory responsibility to manage clinical negligence claims under the Clinical Indemnity Scheme.
The Agency acknowledges that its work frequently involves the management of difficult, complex and traumatic cases taken by persons who have suffered injury, sometimes a catastrophic injury.
The Agency states that in managing these cases it is committed to placing a high priority on treating those who have made claims and their families with the dignity and the compassion they deserve. It recognises that it has a duty to manage each claim in a humane, sensitive, ethical and professional manner.
At this time and in advance of the compilation and consideration of the necessary facts and information it is considered premature to propose any future role for the Agency.
