Cabinet to discuss scoping inquiry

Today's Cabinet will be largely dominated by the terms of reference for a scoping inquiry into the recent CervicalCheck controversy.

Minister for Health Simon Harris will ask his colleagues to approve the appointment of a medical professional from the United Kingdom to oversee the work.

It will be tasked with assessing who knew what and when, whether it is still appropriate to use overseas facilities for testing smear test results and the reason women were not informed of reviews into their cases.

Separately an independent review will examine the smear test results of between 2,000 and 3,000 women to examine if they should have benefited from earlier intervention.

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The results of both will feed into a potential commission of inquiry.

Mr Harris has briefed Vicky Phelan on the scoping inquiry and has asked all other people affected to make contact with the chair to outline what they believe should happen.

The results will be known by the end of June, and a redress system should be put in place at that point.

Although many believe a commission is necessary, it is imperative the scoping exercise answers the most pressing questions as soon as possible.

Use your referendum vote

Today is the last day to register to vote in the upcoming referendum on the Eighth Amendment.

Whatever side you shout for, it is important you use your vote and have your say.

This issue will not be the subject of another referendum for quite some time. Voters should educate themselves about the proposition and use their vote on May 25th.

The Irish Times has been conducting a series of fact checks and has some helpful information that can all be found here.