Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats)
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1347. To ask the Minister for Health the number of times he has met with a group (details supplied) since taking office; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33323/20]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I have met with the 221+Group on 3 occasions.

I was pleased to meet with representatives of the 221+Group, on Wednesday, 2 September 2020 to engage in discussion on their experiences and concerns and find the best way forward for those affected by CervicalCheck issues.

I am committed to ensuring and supporting the central role that patients play in the development of health policy and the reform of health services, the 221+Group play a vital role in this regard. The 221+Group provide essential services in assisting patients and next of kin of those directly affected by the CervicalCheck issues through the provision of information, advice and support. In this regard I have committed to approving additional funding to support the work of the 221+ Support Group beyond August 2021 and to appointing a second patient representative from the 221+ group to the CervicalCheck Steering Committee.

The CervicalCheck Tribunal was discussed at the meeting of 2 September and further meetings about the Tribunal were held with the 221+ Group on Friday, 23 October 2020 and Monday, 26 October 2020. These meetings were in relation to the Tribunal and how cases arising from CervicalCheck would be dealt with.