Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 February 2021
775. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health his views on extending the statute of limitations for those individuals affected by the CervicalCheck scandal to lodge a High Court case given the complications of both Covid-19 and the delay in establishing the CervicalCheck tribunal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8347/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraA concern has been raised that some women eligible for the CervicalCheck Tribunal may now be outside the Statute of Limitations as a result of the delay in establishing the Tribunal, which was due to COVID-19 and issues with regard to Tribunal membership.
Any extension to the statute of limitations in respect of claims before the High Court would be a matter for the Minister for Justice. However, I understand that it is not possible to address this issue by extending the statute retrospectively.
With regard to the CervicalCheck Tribunal, It isn’t yet clear if any women who wish to take claims before the Tribunal are in a position whereby they are outside of the statute of limitations owing to the delay in establishing the Tribunal. However, I have committed to develop a proposal to address any such claims appropriately, should the need arise.
I would encourage any woman who is concerned about this situation to lodge their claim before the Tribunal without delay.
