Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 September 2018
165. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the reason his reply to two previous parliamentary questions on the ISO accreditation of US-based labs stated that these labs had ISO status while the Scally report states they did not. [38941/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra166. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if screeners in US labs have the same or comparable levels of qualifications to screeners who examine cervical check slides here. [38942/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra171. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health his views on the reference in the Scally report to the plans of a CervicalCheck provider to use laboratories in Australia to conduct future tests; if a risk assessment of such a practice will be conducted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38947/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 165, 166 and 171 together.
Earlier this year in response to Parliamentary Questions, I stated, as was my understanding then, that laboratories contracted by CervicalCheck met the programme’s standards and had ISO accreditation, certified by the relevant national authorities. The Report of the Scoping Inquiry established by Government has clarified that only some laboratories have ISO accreditation.
Dr Scally is providing me with a supplementary report which will investigate the matter of accreditation. I look forward to receiving this report.
However, it is important to be clear that Dr Scally's Report, published on 12 September, has provided welcome reassurance in relation to the laboratories currently contracted by CervicalCheck. He is satisfied with the quality management processes in the labs currently contracted by CervicalCheck, and he is clear that he has found no reason why the contracts with existing providers should not be extended pending the switch to HPV testing as the primary screening test.
The Report is a comprehensive and robust assessment of CervicalCheck, based on engagement with women and families involved, review of documentation, interviews with key personnel and visits to the laboratories involved. It makes fifty recommendations, including a significant number in relation to laboratories and procurement, the implementation of which I expect to provide all necessary assurance in relation to the services on an ongoing basis.
The Government has accepted all 50 of Dr Scally’s recommendations and I have asked the State bodies involved to move swiftly in relation to implementation.
