Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)

The Minister has accepted she has a role to play. Perhaps then she will clarify for me what is that role. Does it include protecting the skills of cytology laboratory staff in this country into the future? Does the Minister have a role in this regard? Also, is there any joined-up thinking between the Minister and the Minister for Education and Science in terms of the students in DIT who are currently pursuing this course or have pursued it in the past? Is there any role for Government in this or is it completely a matter for a company from which the Minister has distanced herself? I have no problem with the company which is doing a good job.

Will the Minister accept that she as Minister for Health and Children has a role in this in terms of the long-term interests of the country? Does she accept that there were laboratories in Ireland that met the standard qualification criteria in this regard and who made a bid for the contract? The Minister appears to be implying Irish laboratories do not have the required qualifications. My understanding is that there are laboratories in Ireland that can meet the ten day turnaround requirement and are accredited. Does the Minister accept that this is the case? My understanding is that it is the case.

Does the Minister accept that Dr. McGoogan's report specifically states that the turnaround time should be four working weeks? Why was this timeframe reduced to ten days? Was consideration given to the fact that laboratories in Ireland were not given the resources to bring themselves up to the required standard? While some are up to standard those that had almost obtained accreditation had a terribly hard time obtaining the resources required to enable them reach the accreditation standard. It is understandable the laboratories assumed that if they could meet the four-week turnaround time they would qualify for the contract.

It is unacceptable for the Minister for Health and Children to say she has no role in the matter or that she cannot interfere in the process. The fact that the contract will be awarded to a company outside the country and that cytology services will be located a couple of thousand miles away from all other services provided for patients is her responsibility.

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