Vol. 506 No. 6
60 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children his views on the establishment of an adequate schooling system for phlebotonists; the definition of a trained phlebotomist eligible for employment in hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16052/99]
At present, the training and definition of a phlebotomist is a matter for each individual employer. I acknowledge that this is not ideal and a working group has recently been established to examine the issues raised by the Deputy on this question. Membership of this group consists of representatives from my Department, the Health Service Employers Agency, the Phlebotomists Association of Ireland and the three unions representing phlebotomists, IMPACT, SIPTU and the Irish Nurses Organisation. This group is examining issues relating to training and qualifications and is seeking to regularise the qualifications of phlebotomists in the health service.
