The Taoiseach says the health service should be "about saving lives, and not saving face".
Leo Varadkar was speaking after this morning's cabinet meeting which discussed the CervicalCheck scandal.
They agreed a package of supports for the women affected and their families.
That will include providing discretionary medical cards, provision of counselling and covering the cost of drugs including experimental treatments.
John Connaghan will also be appointed interim Director General of the HSE this evening.
It comes as GPs admit they’re seriously concerned at the undermining of the Cervical Check programme, and that it could result in fewer women getting smear tests.
Doctors in the Irish Medical Organisation say there has been a lack of clear explanations regarding the pros and cons around screening programmes.
The IMO says it’s agreed a programme for women with concerns to visit their GPs and if required, organise for a repeat smear test.
