The Tánaiste / Minister for Health and Children, Ms. Mary Harney, TD officially presented Mr. Denis McCarthy Chairman of The Board with their Irish National Accreditation Boards certificate of accreditation.

Mr. Tom Beegan CEO Health & Safety Authority and a member of the Board of the Irish National Accreditation Board who awarded the certificate of accreditation said” This Accreditation which is based on the criteria of the international standard ISO 17025, is a formal recognition that the accredited laboratory is competent to carry out certain tests as detailed in their Scope of Accreditation.  It recognises that the laboratory has competent staff, appropriate testing equipment and suitable laboratories and that it carries out its work according to international standards.

He also said “it is essential that the services provided by this laboratory can be seen objectively as being of the highest quality and INAB accreditation ensures that the highest standards are in place and that as the laboratory services develop further, such high standards will be maintained”.

Mr. Denis McCarthy Chairman of The Drug Treatment Centre Board said “I am honoured to accept this accreditation award on behalf of The Board, management and staff.  I am delighted you could join us in our little bit of history making today in that we are the first clinical laboratory in Ireland funded by the Health Service Executive to be accredited to the ISO 17025 standard.  I would like to acknowledge the General Manager, senior management team and laboratory staff for their commitment in achieving this accreditation”.

The General Manager, Ms. Sheila Heffernan said “ this is a huge achievement for our organisation and is the end result of the commitment and dedication of our Board, Principal Biochemist, Dr. Richard Maguire, Ms. Sinead McNamara, Quality Manager and our laboratory team over the last number of years.  This has enabled us to ensure that we deliver the highest quality and standard of service to all our customers.  We are committed to ensuring that we not only maintain these standards but develop and expand into other areas in order that we continue to lead and deliver best practice in all areas of our specialist services.  I would like to thank the Irish National Accreditation body for their support to date and we look forward to continuing to working with them in the future”.