The Department of Health became aware of the latest IT issue with CervicalCheck results on 25 June, RTÉ News has confirmed.

It emerged on Thursday that around 800 women and many of their GPs did not get the test results, due to an IT problem at a Quest laboratory in the US.

The test delays date back as far as last October.

Minister for Health Simon Harris told RTÉ News the issue was escalated to him by his department on Wednesday evening last, 10 July.

The department said that when it became aware of an issue with one woman, on 25 June, it immediately engaged with the HSE to seek clarity about what the issue was, it's possible impact, and how it was being resolved.

The department said the HSE report was received last Wednesday 10 July and it was advised of the nature of the issue, and that work was ongoing to resolve the matter and ensure all results letters issued to women.

Read more: New CervicalCheck crisis - have lessons been learned?

The HSE has announced that it will be carrying out a review of the issue.

In a statement yesterday, HSE CEO Paul Reid said the review would be led by a chairperson external to the HSE and that it would be completed in a "timely manner".

The terms of reference will be made available early next week.