Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 31 May 2018
150. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if all of the women or their legal representatives have been contacted in regard to the commitment to address legal cases associated with CervicalCheck by way of mediation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24198/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy may note that 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. I do not therefore have specific details on the Agency's communication with women, or their legal representatives.
In relation to the way in which the Agency liaises with the women and families affected by the issues surrounding CervicalCheck, 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. 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.
The State Claims Agency has informed the Department of Health that it will be actively engaging with the laboratories involved in any cases brought by any of the 209 women affected, to ensure expeditious resolution of the cases.
I have also been assured by the State Claims Agency that it remains committed to resolving cases relating to CervicalCheck in line with the principles outlined by the Government earlier this month.
