The head of the scoping inquiry into the CervicalCheck Screening Programme, Dr Gabriel Scally, has said that it looks like the HSE have given him access to files "in a searchable format".
Yesterday, one of the women affected by the CervicalCheck scandal said that she had spoken to Dr Scally, who said he is still waiting on 2,000 files
Vicky Phelan also revealed that everything is going through the lawyers and the files are "heavily redacted".
However, today Dr Scally he has got documentation from the HSE with the redactions removed.
Dr Scally said: "As of today, it appears we now have access to documentation being provided to us by the HSE in a searchable format and with all redactions, apart from those relating to patient confidentiality, removed.
"We are now checking this for completeness.
"This is very welcome progress and will assist us in moving forward with our inquiry in a more time efficient manner.
"I would like to acknowledge the co-operation of all the HSE staff who have assisted in making this information available."
Yesterday, it was also revealed that the number of cases involved in the CervicalCheck scandal has risen by 209 to 221.
Also, the Department of Health confirmed that an independent review of more than 3,000 smear tests, which was due to be finished by May, has not been started yet.
