The Minister for Health, Simon Harris, TD, recently received Cabinet approval to proceed with publication of the Cervical Check Tribunal Bill. The Tribunal will hear and determine claims arising from the retrospective Cervical Check cytology clinical audit and from the Expert Panel Review of Cervical Screening, in particular in respect of the reading of smears. It will be chaired by Ms Justice Mary Irvine, a serving judge of the Superior Courts.

Minister Harris also announced that the Independent Assessment Panel for the Cervical Check Non-Disclosure Ex Gratia Scheme chaired by Justice Aindrias Ó Caoimh, has determined that €20,000 is the appropriate amount for the ex gratia payment. The Scheme remains open, and individuals who have not yet applied can still do so.