The Government has approved a compensation scheme for women affected by the Cervical Check crisis.

Health Minister Simon Harris secured Government approval for the ex-gratia scheme for women.

The scheme is designed to provide an alternative, non-adversarial and person-centred option for women affected by the non-disclosure issue.

It is anticipated that it will be up and running in the coming weeks.

It will be open to all women, or their next of kin, in the 221 cohort identified from the clinical audit as having being given incorrect smear results.

The Government has also approved the appointment of an independent assessment panel.

This is to be made up of retired High Court Judge Aindrias Ó'Caoimh, an independent clinician and "a person of good standing."

The Government has said the amount awarded is to be determined by the assessment panel.

Among factors to be taken into account are the fact and impact of the non-disclosure.

In December 2018, the Government agreed to set up an ex-gratia scheme to ensure that the 221 women affected can have the issue addressed without the need to go to court.