A spokesperson for Minister for Health Mary Harney has sought to clarify comments made by her this morning that the cost for women attending a GP or hospital for the rapid cancer re-checks will be free.
The spokesman said that while the hospital checks will be free, women who do not have a medical card and attend their GP as a private patient will have to pay for the consultation.
Ms Harney also said she did not believe that the number of women who may seek re-testing under the scheme announced yesterday would put major pressure on existing services.
In a statement this afternoon, Ms Harney said that she is advising any woman who has concerns to contact their GP who will refer them to a designated cancer centre for further assessment if necessary.
She said that the National Cancer Control Programme has contacted GP's in order to assist with access to timely re-assessment.
The Irish Medical Organisation has said no woman who is eligible for the re-check scheme should face a direct charge.
Dr Ronan Boland, chairman of the organisation's GP group, said the IMO is seeking an urgent meeting with the HSE to discuss the logistics of the scheme, as it believes many thousands of patients could come forward.
