However, the Medical Laboratory Scientists’ Association (MLSA) said both then had no interest in developing Irish testing and, instead, wanted to award the contract aboard. Cervical screening was first introduced in Ireland in the 1960s. However, Irish cytology laboratories had been “working assiduously” to win accreditation to provide smear test in Ireland. The Department of Health and the HSE later showed “no interest” in developing Irish cytology screening, preferring “to close existing screening services in Ireland and redeploy staff to other laboratory disciplines”. Testing should now return to Irish laboratories, said the MLSA, adding that the recent controversy has impacted greatly on all staff who “diligently” delivered cervical screening over the last decade.

Source: The Irish Times May 22, 2018 19:18 UTC