Vol. 463 No. 1
16 Mr. Flood asked the Minister for Health if he will have arrangements made to put in place a training programme for technicians in cytology as screeners in view of the fact that there is no such facility available in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5399/96]
Limerick East): Training in cytology has been available in the Dublin Institute of Technology, Kevin Street, for the past four years. The course is run as part of a degree course in cytopathology for final year students but it also caters for medical laboratory technicians and junior pathologists already working in the field who require cytoscreening skills. I understand that the Institute of Technology is prepared to meet the demand for courses as required.
A decision regarding further development of training of cytoscreening personnel will be made in the context of the recommendations of the Cervcial Screening Committee report. The draft report is under consideration by my Department at present as part of the deliberations of the Cancer Strategy Group. The group will present its report shortly.
