The start of the CervicalCheck Tribunal has been postponed as it was due to begin this morning.
The Government said on Monday night that it would be put off for "a number of days", according to The Irish Times, following meetings between Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly and representatives of those impacted.
It is intended that the tribunal will provide compensation to those who received incorrect smear test results and were subsequently diagnosed with cancer. Those effected will share their stories, with proceedings to be held in private unless they specifically request otherwise.
Last week, a number of members of the 221+ support group, including campaigner Vicky Phelan voiced their concerns regarding the tribunal, asking the Government to postpone the start date in order to facilitate talks on the matter.
Mr Donnelly agreed to meet representatives from the group, with the patient support group tweeting on Monday night that talks with the Minister were ongoing but that "progress has been made".
We are in continuing discussion with Minister @DonnellyStephen and Department of Health on issues we raised last week about the establishment of the CervicalCheck Tribunal. Progress has been made in recent days which we will communicate to members when we get further details 1/2
Advertisement— 221+ (@221plus) October 26, 2020
A spokesperson for the Department of Health added: "At the request of the 221+ group, the establishment of the tribunal has been paused for a number of days to allow it to engage with and update its members."
Prior to the meeting with Mr Donnelly, Ms Phelan said the tribunal was "a slap in the face" for the people effected and that it was not fit for purpose.
The tribunal is due to be conducted in Smithfield in Dublin, chaired by Court of Appeal judge, Ms Justice Ann Power.
