In common with other EU member states, Ireland is currently developing a formal laboratory accreditation scheme in consultation with the relevant statutory and professional interests. These are the National Accreditation Board, clinical pathologists, medical laboratory technicians and biochemists. The professional interests are represented by a joint working group, comprising representatives from the faculty of pathology, RCPI; the Academy of Medical Laboratory Science, and the Association of Clinical Biochemists.
The objective of these discussions is to develop and implement a formal accreditation system for pathology laboratories. The arrangements for the scheme are now being finalised and I am providing a sum of £0.400 million in 2000 to meet start-up costs and to assist health agencies in the detailed preparatory work that will be required of them.
With regard to the quality of cervical smear tests, the report of the Department of Health and Children cervical screening committee contained many recommendations on quality assurance in the context of the introduction of a national cervical screening programme. Phase one of the national programme will commence in early 2000 in the Mid-Western Health Board area.