Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Is the Minister aware we are approaching the third anniversary of the publication of the expert group's report in December? She must agree there has been far too little progress made in the subsequent period. The issue of the outsourcing of smear tests has been raised and large numbers of smear tests are being sent abroad for testing. Does the Minister agree such tests should be carried out in Ireland and that sending them to be checked overseas opens up a swathe of risks? Only this year, definite examples of the problems that can arise as a result have surfaced. What is the logic behind the closing of laboratories and hospitals in the face of real work that can be carried out effectively and proficiently within the laboratory system of the hospitals network? What steps is the Minister taking to address the deficiency in laboratory opportunities in this State?

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