Review of 3,000 smears has yet to start

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has described as highly unsatisfactory that examination of 3,000 smear tests have not yet begun, despite promises they would be complete more than a month ago.

He was speaking after it emerged the number of cases directly involved in the cervical check scandal has risen from 209 to 221.

The Department of Health and the HSE confirmed yesterday the increase by 12 of those who are affected by the CervicalCheck smear scandal during an appearance before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).