Two more judges appointed to CervicalCheck Tribunal

The Tribunal overseeing the CervicalCheck failings has been expanded by two judges. The tribunal, set up for women affected by the CervicalCheck controversy, allows the hearing of the individual cases without having to go to court.

More than 200 women were the subject of misread cervical smear tests, leading to some women developing terminal cancer.

Welcoming the announcement Fianna Fáil Deputy Niamh Smyth commended the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, in his appointment.

Deputy Smyth said: “I would like to commend the appointment of Ms Justice Ann Power and Mr Justice Tony O'Connor to the Cervical Check Tribunal. The fact that the Minister has committed to the Tribunal being established without further delay is most welcome.”

The Tribunal allows women and their families to progress cases. Deputy Smyth said the additional judges are a necessary addition: “It is so important to those caught up in the cervical check scandal to get answers and in a speedy manner, so today’s announcement is most welcome.

“What we need now is the early resumption of the Tribunals work as the resolution of a number of key issues, including the regime for mandatory disclosure and the sustainable role of patient advocates,” concluded Deputy Smyth