Emergency funding has been announced by the Irish Cancer Society (ICS) to allow women who have been directly affected by the CervicalCheck controversy to get free counselling in their own community.

According to the ICS, funds will be made available to allow for an additional 500 counselling sessions in 25 ICS-affiliated support centres nationwide. This move is in response to the high number of women contacting the charity with concerns about their smear test results.

"Over the past few days we have received a huge number of queries from women who are very concerned by the revelations about CervicalCheck. Understandably, many women are deeply affected and need support, reassurance and practical help.

"Through our existing network across the country, we are making additional money for counselling available so women can get the support they so desperately need at this time," explained ICS head of services and advocacy, Donal Buggy.

He pointed out that nurses from the charity are also assisting with the CervicalCheck helpline. They are calling back women who made contact during the last few days and are awaiting a response.

"Women are out there worrying and waiting for a call back so they can have their concerns and worries addressed. We want to help reassure these women. Our panel of specialist cancer nurses will work with the CervicalCheck helpline to make sure as many of these women are contacted as soon as possible," Mr Buggy said.

These extra sessions mean that the ICS will be providing funding for a total of 8,000 free counselling sessions in 2018.

Anyone with concerns about cervical cancer can receive confidential advice and support by contacting the ICS's Cancer Nurseline on 1800 200 700 (lines open Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm).

The CervicalCheck helpline is available at 1800 45 45 55.