The 221+ group set up to support those affected by the CervicalCheck Scandal is nearing its fourth year anniversary and yet the Tribunal created by the Government to handle the claims of its members still isn't working, according to Cork Cervical smear test campaigner Stephen Teap.
Teap says he's not surprised that only 17 cases have been brought to the tribunal as 18 months ago he and other campaigners told the Taoiseach and Health Minister that it was not fit for purpose.
Stephen Teap's wife Irene died after being diagnosed with cervical cancer and was one of the 221 women affected by the misreading of their smear test results.
As acting Taoiseach Leo Varadkar promised that not one of the women impacted in the Cervical Check scandal would have to go to court but to to date 336 people have had to turn to the judicial system to pursue the State
Speaking to RedFM News, Stephen Teap said this means the pain and suffering of those affected is still being dragged out.
"To be honest with you the tribunal doesn't seem to be working.
"It may work for a minor few that it does seem to be doing right now but for the vast majority that are still wrapped up in the high court system, they're going nowhere - it's just dragging out.
"I suppose the pain, the suffering for many families that whose lives have been on hold for many in the original 221, the four year anniversary of this is is only just a couple of months way - that's how long this has been ongoing now."
