The Taoiseach will today make a formal State apology to the women and families caught up in the CervicalCheck scandal.

He is expected to tell the Dáil that the State failed hundreds of women by not informing them that they were given incorrect all-clear smear test results before later being diagnosed with cancer.

More than 221 women were affected by the scandal.

Apology

Around an hour and a half of Dáil time has been set aside this afternoon to hear statements on the issue this afternoon.

Almost 80 women affected by the scandal will be there to hear it along with members of their families.

In a statement, the 221+ patient support group said it hopes the apology marks a turning point in the State’s “attention to effective governance and accountability” in women’s healthcare.

Failures

A spokesperson for the group said it was essential that the failures were acknowledged at the highest levels of the State.

“We have always highlighted that true acknowledgement of the impact [of the scandal] could only come with a full understanding on the part of the State – at the highest levels – of what it got wrong, of the impact those shortcomings had on individual women and families and of what is needed to make sure this doesn’t happen again.

“Over recent months, An Taoiseach has met with women and families of 221+ to listen to their stories directly.

“Our desire for tomorrow is that it will help bring some healing for those impacted and mark a turning point in the State’s attention to effective governance and accountability in the provision of essential health and support services to women in Ireland.”

CervicalCheck

The Labour Party health spokesperson said the apology marks a “momentous occasion for the women and their families” but warned that it is long overdue.

“The women who were affected by this scandal deserve this and I am very happy that it is happening today,” he said.

Mr Varadkar will deliver the apology at 3pm.