President Michael D Higgins will be asked for an early signature of a Bill to extend the closing date for claims to be made to the CervicalCheck Tribunal.
The Cabinet agreed to make the request in order to avoid a gap where the tribunal cannot accept new claims.
There has been a low uptake in the scheme which offers an alternative to the courts system for women to make claims after issues arose in the State’s cervical cancer screening service.
The Government agreed last week to extend the deadline for claims beyond July 26th this year to January 26th, 2022.
Under the CervicalCheck Tribunal Amendment Bill 2021 this can be extended to July 26th, 2022 by ministerial order.
However, the Bill must pass all stages of the Oireachtas and be signed into law by the President to avoid a period when claims cannot be made.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly received Cabinet approval to request an early signature from the President.
