€2,000 FOR CANCER SCANDAL FAMILIES
Inquiry blasted over ‘paltry payout’
WOMEN and families affected by the cervical cancer scandal will receive a payment of just €2,000, a report recommended yesterday.
Health Minister Simon Harris said each patient involved and relatives of those who died will get an immediate payment in light of the Scally Inquiry.
He accepted the report’s first findings, but lawyers representing some of the women described the amount of money as “very small” yesterday, while Labour TD Alan Kelly said it was “paltry”.
However, misdiagnosed women will still be able to sue through the courts for damages. Mr Harris said: “This payment does not in any way bar further payment. It is merely an assistance payment to address any financial obstacle a woman might encounter. It is not redress, it is not compensation.”
The inquiry was set up following the failure to inform patients of wronglyinterpreted smear test results.
Chaired by Dr Gabriel Scally, it will examine all aspects of the cervical check service and all the relevant documents in the Department of Health and the HSE. The medic, who was due to complete his probe by the end of June but will now take until the end of the summer, said he had been surprised at the difficulty obtaining the necessary information.
Brave cancer campaigner, Vicky Phelan, who brought the scandal to public attention, yesterday said she is happy with the ex gratia payments. But she added she is not surprised it will be delayed or that Dr Scally “stonewalled”.
Ms Phelan told Drivetime, “I have faith in what he is doing” and added she is hopeful the story will be kept in the public eye “and not just go away which is what the HSE would probably like to happen”.
Meanwhile, Mr Kelly said he had “grave concerns” about how long the probe will take.
He added: “The sad reality is in some cases women don’t have time and can’t afford the Government to miss deadlines.
“It is clear we will not see a full report until autumn and that is unacceptable.” is being