Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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432. To ask the Minister for Health the list of the supports offered to women affected by the CervicalCheck issue; the number of women that have opted to avail of each support; the number of women that are in receipt of this support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31602/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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On the 11 of May, I announced the establishment of a primary and social care support package for women and families affected by the CervicalCheck issues. These measures include:

- The provision of a discretionary medical card for each woman affected, or their next-of-kin in cases where the woman has, sadly, died;

- Meeting of out-of-pocket medical costs incurred;

- The provision of primary care supports, including counselling, to the women affected;

- The provision of counselling services, including bereavement counselling where appropriate, to the immediate family members of these women; and

- The provision of other health and social care supports, including travel costs and childminding, where appropriate.

A team of specially designated Liaison Officers has been appointed to work with individuals and put in place the required supports. I am advised by the HSE that, as of 6 July, Liaison Officers have held 157 face-to-face meetings with women and families to discuss their needs.

To date, 445 new medical cards have been issued in relation to this scheme and amendments have been made to the terms of existing cards in 87 cases to recategorise these as medical cards under the CervicalCheck support package.

A number of individuals are availing of counselling through either the Primary Care Counselling Service or private counselling for which they will be reimbursed, and arrangements are in place to reimburse women and families for costs such as travel and childcare. A range of other health supports is being provided including in response to requests for physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dental, ophthalmic and nursing services among others. This is very much a client-driven process and requests for supports will differ from individual to individual.

It is important to note that every individual’s circumstances will be unique to them and thus the HSE has taken care to respect the wishes of the women and their families regarding the timing of contacts and subsequent meetings.Where meetings have not yet been held, this reflects the wishes of the individuals concerned either to meet at a future date that suits them or, in some instances not to take up the offer of support.