The tribunal began receiving claims in December 2020 but received just eight claims from 10 people by October 2021, representing a combination of claims transferred from the High Court as well as new claims.

According to the report, some of the tribunal’s “limited number of administrative support staff” were redeployed to other areas of work after a May 2021 review “pending the receipt of additional claims”.

It adds: “Notwithstanding that claims are now being lodged with the tribunal, the existing vacancy for the legal secretary remains unfilled until it is considered justifiable from a costs’ perspective.”

The cost of staffing the tribunal in 2020, including both set-up and operational costs post-establishment, was €199,728, including employer’s PRSI.

Ms Justice Ann Power, chairperson of the CervicalCheck Tribunal, said: “It is true that, thus far, only a small number of claimants have chosen to use the mechanism which the tribunal offers for the prompt resolution of disputes. The reasons for this are beyond the control of the tribunal.

“However, such claims as have been lodged are being processed in accordance with the tribunal’s duty to ensure that claims are determined thoroughly, fairly and promptly.

“As chairperson, I have emphasised to all parties who have appeared before the tribunal, its commitment to processing claims expeditiously so that a date for hearing may be allocated at a case management meeting to be held within 30 weeks of a claim being filed.

“I want to acknowledge the cooperation and goodwill that has been shown by all the parties and their legal representatives, to date, whose collaboration with each other and with the tribunal has been evident from the outset.”