Hospital Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2013

Tuesday, 9 July 2013

Questions (545, 553)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

545. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that access for general practitioners to lung function tests at the Mater Hospital, Dublin, is restored immediately in the interests of early diagnosis of asthma and emphysema and other lung diseases and the better health outcomes that result; and if he will request information from the hospital as to the short, medium and long-term cost increases that will result because patients have to wait far longer for diagnosis. [33407/13]

Paschal Donohoe

Question:

553. Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Health the reason the Mater Hospital, Dublin, is no longer able to provide lung function tests if required by general practitioners; if there is another hospital where GPs can refer directly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33465/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 545 and 553 together.

In relation to the particular queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service issues, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in these matters.