Vol. 511 No. 2
111 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide funding to Temple Street Children's Hospital for the operating of its new MRI scan equipment purchased through a major fund-raising effort at a cost of £1.2 million; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23962/99]
On the specific question of the development of MRI scanning facilities at Temple Street Hospital, the hospital took a decision without reference to the Department of Health and Children to undertake the purchase of an MRI scanner for the hospital. The Deputy will appreciate that the capital funding while significant, is a once off cost. However, the revenue costs associated with the provision of an MRI service are ongoing and substantial. My Department would normally only undertake a major capital and revenue investment of this sort on the basis of a detailed needs appraisal.
Since the hospital notified us of their desire to purchase a scanner, my Department has met with them and the other Dublin paediatric hospitals. An external review of the need for dedicated paediatric MRI services has been commissioned and should be completed shortly.
