Kate O'Connell (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Their job is to accredit. I cannot understand why Mr. McCallion has not been in touch with the Department of Education and Skills, which is responsible for the HSA, as I understand it. I think it falls within the remit of the Minister of State, Deputy Halligan. I cannot understand why Mr. McCallion has not been in touch with the other Department to point out that there is an issue because those who are responsible for accreditation are able to able to accredit generously and flexibly when it suits them. When that is combined with the lack of accreditation, does Mr. McCallion not see why we would all be concerned? If the standard in the contract is not being met in the US or in Ireland, we might as well be dropping it down to Deputy Durkan to screen in Kildare.

What is important is that in the overall quality of a laboratory, accreditation is one facet while the overall quality assurance-----