Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I very much share the concern expressed this morning by Senator Twomey regarding the planned outsourcing of cervical smear tests to a laboratory in the United States, when we have three laboratories in particular in this country that have recorded an accuracy rating in this regard of 95%. I am told that this source in the US will not provide greater than 85% accuracy. This is not just a dubious initiative, but nonsensical. At a time of economic downturn here at home, more than 100 highly skilled jobs will be displaced, which are badly needed in Ireland. I look forward to the Leader addressing this and arranging a debate on it, if he can, or providing a satisfactory answer.

With regard to the Daingean Úi Chúis question raised by my colleague, Senator Joe O'Toole, I very much accept that the Minister for the Environment, Deputy Gormley, is a highly considerate man. I know he is paying attention to this but sadly, there is ongoing doubt and confusion because of the many signposts that just say, "An Daingean". The Cathaoirleach's county is at present very much in the news and Daingean in Offaly will become much better known. However, signs in my part of the country that simply mention Daingean or An Daingean are not complete. Dingle is an internationally known brand name——