The start of the CervicalCheck tribunal has been delayed due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health Minister Simon Harris has told the support group 221+ of his decision to delay the start of the tribunal.

A statement on the tribunal website noted that this was due to "the ongoing and quickly evolving situation in relation to COVID-19".

It added: "This decision has been made in response to both the measures which were announced by the Taoiseach on the 12th March and the understanding that the intended claimants may be considered to be at risk if they were to contract the virus."

"The situation will be monitored and further updates in relation to the establishment of the tribunal will be posted on this website."

It also said that any update will be communicated to the relevant groups.

The 221+ group said it welcomed recognition of "the inherent vulnerability that cervical cancer creates in all that suffer it and the respect shown for that vulnerability in the current circumstances."

However it expressed concern at the possibility that the delay could cause the statute of limitations to be reached for some of those planning to bring a claim.

The group added: "The department [of health] has acknowledged this as a concern and has assured us that it is examining various options to address the issue and to ensure that no prospective claimant is disadvantaged by this necessary decision."