Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 14 Feb 1995

Vol. 449 No. 1

Written Answers. - Use of MRI Scanner.

Ned O'Keeffe

Ceist:

64 Mr. E. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he will sanction Voluntary Health Insurance payment for the use of an MRI scanner for public patients at University Hospital, Cork; and if his attention has been drawn to the inconvenience caused to a person (details supplied) in County Cork who is awaiting this scanner because of the delay in having Voluntary Health Insurance payments approved. [3040/95]

Minister for Health (Mr. Noonan,

Limerick East): The determination of appropriate benefits to be provided to VHI subscribers in respect of magnetic resonance imaging is primarily a matter for the VHI board. However, I am aware that the board is currently examining the feasibility of providing cover for an MRI scanner in the Cork region.

I have had inquiries made of the hospital authorities and I am informed that the named person is a public patient.I understand that Cork University Hospital has a contractual arrangement to secure access for public patients to MRI scanning facilities. Under this arrangement the question of insurance cover does not arise. If the patient's consultant considers that an MRI scan is required, it will be arranged without delay.