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The activists have backed away from lengthy conversations with the Health Minister about the CervicalCheck court claiming it was a “pointless waste of time” as they have not been listened to.
The 221+ have written to Stephen Donnelly tonight to end the courtroom discussions and express their “utter frustration at the pointless waste of time the last three weeks have been.”
Activists, including Vicky Phelan, Stephen Teap and Lorraine Walsh, had raised concerns about a number of elements in the court and asked that it not be contradictory.
“We not only pointed out the problems, we also proposed solutions. We recognize that some of these solutions were not possible at a stroke, but they are entirely possible if those in government had the will to act with the interests and needs of this group of victims. Deep down, clearly not.
“We do not see any sense in continuing with this process. This Government had the opportunity to ensure a solution for these women that is better than the long fight in court.
“He chose otherwise and that will be his legacy when the debacle of the past can now be consigned to the archives,” the group said.
Deaf ears. As always, we will continue, so we will stand by and support all women and families in this process regardless of the path they decide to go to get to the truth of what happened to them in the #CervicalCheckDebacle ❤ (2/2) @irishexaminer @MichealMartinTD
– (@Stephenteap) November 20, 2020
The 221+ group says Donnelly told them in a letter sent Thursday night that it has not been possible to comply with the requested adjustments to the Court’s operation regarding the Statute of Limitations or the issue of Recidivism.
“That letter sadly confirms what we have believed to be the case for some time, despite various statements over the last few weeks from the Minister that his focus was ‘finding the best route for women and families’ and the statement of the Taoiseach in the Dáil on Tuesday this week regarding the Statute of Limitations where he said ‘we do not think it is such a significant issue, we think we can address it,’ said group 221+.
The group said it will continue to support all women involved in the smear test scandal “regardless of what legal decisions they make, or not at all.”
The more than 221 women and their families have been provided with the complete file of all exchanges with the Department of Health and have been advised to share it with their legal advisors to help them in their own decision making.
The Health Department issued a statement tonight saying that the Health Minister’s priority was “to facilitate the least burdensome process for affected women and families.”
The statement issued to RTÉ News read: “The Court is a more compassionate alternative to legal proceedings in Superior Court, based on the recommendations set forth by Mr. Justice Charles Meenan in his 2018 report on an alternative system for dealing the cases.
“It offers a better route for women and families to advance their legal actions in a private and less conflictual environment than Superior Court.”
“It confers the same rights as the Superior Court and allows for more timely access, as well as a more sensitive environment.
“Several women and families have attempted to file claims with the Court in recent weeks, but were unable to do so because the Court is currently on hiatus.”
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