The Government has agreed a multimillion euro deal with GPs to facilitate a free repeat smear test and a medical consultation after more than a week of public anxiety in the wake of controversy over cervical cancer screening.

The Minister for Health Simon Harris said on Friday the last few days had represented a “horrific week” for the health service and for women the length and breath of the country. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar echoed this, saying it had been “a dreadful week” for the health service and a “culture change” was needed to reform it.