In the region of 1,000 women have been recalled to undertake a repeat smear test the Tanaiste Simon Coveney has confirmed.
Speaking in the Dail earlier today, Mr Coveney confirmed that the women involved have been contacted by the CervicalCheck programme.
It is believed that the women affected have been recalled to undertake a repeat smear test after it was revealed that around a thousand smallest had expired since they were taken.
The Tanaiste told the Dail that the recall was due to a capacity issue and a number of measures have been implemented.
He also said that the HSE are working to secure services abroad that will actively screen smear tests as the capacity in Ireland cannot be increased at the present time.
Mr Coveney comments come after a number of opposition TD’s voiced their concerns over the backlog in smear test screening.