Ms Justice Ann Power

Established as an alternative to court for claims emanating from the CervicalCheck controversy, the tribunal plans to start an “outreach programme” to promote awareness among the public and inform them of how it plans to undertake proceedings.

Chairwoman Ms Justice Ann Power has said a virtual “open day for visits to the tribunal’s premises” is planned.

The judge said in a report to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly that the tribunal had received queries from claimants and solicitors over transferring cases from the High Court as well as time limits for the filing of claims and the online forms used to process claims.

She stated that the Christmas break may have adversely affected the level of activity as members were appointed in early December.

“The legal term did not commence until January 11th. Given the complex nature of these claims and the significance of a decision to transfer, it is to be expected that it will take some time before the tribunal receives a volume of claims.”

Ms Justice Power added: “Central to the tribunal’s objectives is the speedy processing, efficient hearing and swift determination of eligible claims in a fair, impartial, private and case-sensitive manner.

“The tribunal’s rules of procedure are designed, specifically, to achieve this end without undermining the integrity of the court process or compromising important legal protections and safeguards.”