Smear test laboratory charges
Deputy Joan Collins described a constituent who was told an Irish smear test lab would cost €125 after refusing a US laboratory. The Taoiseach said he could not comment on the individual case but would look into it, and the Ceann Comhairle confirmed the Taoiseach would investigate.
Yesterday a constituent came to my office and told me she went for a smear test appointment with her GP who is offering free smear tests, which is good. When she asked where the test was going to be sent to, however, she was informed it would be sent to the US. She did not want it to be sent to the US and asked for it to be done in an Irish lab instead. She was subsequently informed that this would cost her €125. She had to cancel it because she is on social welfare and cannot afford it. She has had to reschedule her smear test.
Will the Taoiseach investigate if this was a one-off incident or is there a charge for women patients to have their smear tests sent to an Irish lab? If that is the case, it is wrong and it should be dealt with.
Comment on this
I am not in a position to comment on any individual case. I understand smear tests done as part of CervicalCheck are sent to different labs, depending on what region the person lives in. The Irish Family Planning Association tests go to the Coombe. It may be of interest to the House to know that I have confirmed that the laboratory to which Vicky Phelan's smear tests were sent has not been contracted since 2013. About 10% of smear tests go to the Coombe while the others are divided equally between MedLab in Sandyford and Quest Diagnostics in New Jersey.
Comment on this
If I send the details to the Taoiseach, will he get the Minister for Health to check it out?
