David Cullinane
Question:1672. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of claims lodged with the CervicalCheck tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15095/21]
View answerWednesday, 24 March 2021
Questions (1672)
Written answers
Following a pause in the steps towards full establishment of the CervicalCheck Tribunal, to allow for discussions with the 221+ Patient Representative Group about the Tribunal and CervicalCheck Cases generally, the establishment of the Tribunal was finalised with the appointment of the nominated members with effect from 1 December 2020. The Tribunal has been in a position to carry out its work since that date.
I requested an update from the Tribunal with regard to the number of claims lodged to date and the Tribunal has confirmed to me that as of 22 March 2021, no claims have been lodged with the Tribunal.
Earlier this year I sought an update from the CervicalCheck Tribunal in respect of the work undertaken since its establishment. On 5 February 2021, the Tribunal Chairperson submitted a report to me setting out that a number of inquiries have been made with the Tribunal by potential claimants and legal representatives. The queries received pertained to transferring cases, time limits for the filing of claims and queries concerning online forms for the processing of claims. I understand that queries continue to be received by the Tribunal.
The Tribunal remains the most appropriate venue to hear and determine CervicalCheck claims. It has been specifically designed for that purpose. It is, of course, entirely up to eligible women as to whether or not they use it.