Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 450: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will list the laboratories analysing smear tests that have received full accreditation from the Irish National Accreditation Board and the Irish laboratories analysing smear tests that have not received full accreditation from the Irish National Accreditation Board; and if a company (details supplied) has received accreditation from the Irish National Accreditation Board. [29896/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Accreditation ensures that a laboratory is operating to a prescribed level of technical competency that meets EU or international requirements. An independent body that is objective and impartial awards such accreditation.

Quest laboratories are accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP), which operates accreditation programmes that align with international standards. Quest Diagnostics was the first diagnostic testing company to employ the principles of Six Sigma in its laboratories to promote operating and service quality.

The specific questions raised by the Deputy in relation to Irish laboratories relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the HSE under the Health Act 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this regard.