Bernard Durkan
Ceist:457. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he remains in contact with victims of the cervical smear test issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5655/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 5 February 2019
Ceisteanna (457)
Freagraí scríofa
Since I became aware of the issues surrounding CervicalCheck, my primary concern has been ensuring that the needs of the women and families affected have been met, and I have been in ongoing contact with those affected through a variety of channels.
In recent days I held a meeting with the 221+ support group which was attended by a large number of members. This group comprises patients directly affected by the issues surrounding CervicalCheck and is supported by a number of patient groups (the Marie Keating Foundation, the Irish Cancer Society and the Irish Patient Association). Any women or family members of the group who wished to attend were welcome. I also met at that time with individual women who wished to speak to me privately
Patient representatives are members of the CervicalCheck Steering Committee which I established last June, chaired by my Department and which has held 15 meetings to date.
I also receive correspondences from affected women and families on a regular basis.