James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)

Everyone supports the rationalisation of laboratory services. The Minister used the words "cold" and "hot" to define routine versus emergency. The issue is that there are plans to allow for international tendering so, once again, a company like Quest Diagnostics can take over laboratory services in this country and we end up with hundreds of medical laboratory scientists' jobs gone. They have already seen the cervical screening activity removed.

Invitation by letter has reduced the number of people attending for smears from 28,000 in August to 18,000 in September, as was anticipated, despite the denials on the other side of the table. Could the Minister tell us if she intends to tender this work outside the country and how many jobs will be lost? Does she believe this is a sensible use of Irish taxpayers' money in terms of retaining Irish jobs and a particular skill?

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