Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Instinctively I agree with the Deputy. I would like to see our own laboratories develop and be able to provide these services. I was not around in the political sphere, nor was Deputy Harty, in 2008 when these decisions were made. My understanding from reading back through the debate at the time is there was a view we did not have the capacity in the country. I note from CervicalCheck's website today, in the frequently asked questions it published, that it maintains the view we would not have adequate capacity in this country. It is not to say it should not be stress-tested, examined and looked at in the context of how we reorganise our lab services when we move to the HPV testing later this year which will, I am informed, result in the requirement for a new tender. I am informed, based on CervicalCheck's public information and from reading back on the debates at the time, that there was a view we did not have the capacity. Others would argue we did and it was run down but that is the advice given to me.

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