US lab Quest Diagnostics has told the High Court it will appeal its judgement in the case of Ruth Morrissey to the Supreme Court.
The Limerick woman - who's terminally ill with cervical cancer - was awarded €2.1 million in the High Court last week over the misreading of her smear test results.
Ms Morrissey and her husband Paul were awarded damages after suing the Health Service Executive (HSE) and two labs - Quest Diagnostics and MedLab Pathology Limited.
The judge also ruled that labs need to have 'absolute confidence' in a test result before giving it the all clear.
Concerns have been raised that the ruling will undermine the country's cancer screening programmes.
Lead clinical director of BreastCheck, Anne O'Doherty, has said there are no medical tests that can trusted with absolute confidence.
The Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists stressed there are "worldwide accepted limitations to the smear test", and there must be "realistic expectations" if clinicians are to continue delivering the service.
'Need to seek legal clarity'
Health Minister Simon Harris, meanwhile, said the State needs time to consider the Ruth Morrissey judgement.
Speaking today, he observed: "If there is a need to seek legal clarity in relation to how that judgement impacts on the health service, that may be required.
"But I do not want to see that done in any way that adversely impacts Ruth Morrissey.
"Ruth Morrissey won her court case - she was awarded significant damages by the court. I want to see those damages paid."
He added that the Attorney General is best qualified to "read and interpret the judgement" and advise the Government on it.
Minister Harris said that if action is then required, then the Government can take it - but insisted they're "absolutely intending" to continue screening.
Speaking outside court last week, Ms Morrissey said women must continue attending smear tests despite the recent scandals.
She told reporters: “I would encourage every woman to continue on getting their smears because it is very important even though it failed me.”
Ruth Morrissey speaking outside the High Court. Just now. She now wants to get on with her life. pic.twitter.com/u64nAty38H
— Shane Beatty (@ShaneBeattyNews) May 3, 2019
