Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

While it is important that we set up this tribunal, there are issues arising. I wrote to the Minister on another aspect of concern, namely, a circular issued to all CervicalCheck clinics over recent weeks. In some cases, GPs may have identified a person for whom the waiting time for the results to come back might be too long and may have taken decisions about trying to fast-track that person. Now CervicalCheck is advising that even where results come back as abnormal, if the GP refers the person back for further investigation, it appears the clinics are saying they are not prepared to put the women on the list because they have not come through the public screening process. The reason the GP may have referred the person for immediate screening and an immediate result is out of concern for the health of the patient. The clinics do not appear to be taking on board genuine concern that is being expressed by a GP that something needs to be fast-tracked. I am concerned about the circular issued in the past four or five weeks to the clinics. We need clarification on that matter as well.