Vol. 503 No. 3
361 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children when the isotope bone scan machine will become operative again in Merlin Park Hospital, Galway; if his Department has received an application from the health board for funding to purchase a new machine; and , if so, when funding will be sanctioned. [9951/99]
362 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of people in the Western Health Board area who availed of the services of the isotope bone scan machine in Merlin Park Hospital, Galway on a yearly basis for each of the past five years; and the number of people currently on the waiting list for a bone scan. [9952/99]
363 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Health and Children the reason outpatients attending Merlin Park Hospital, Galway, in need of an isotope bone scan, have only been offered the use of the machine in the University College Hospital on an emergency basis. [9953/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 361 to 363, inclusive, together.
The provision of medical services to eligible persons in this instance is the statutory responsibility of the Western Health Board. I have provided £0.7 million to the Western Health Board towards the cost of replacing medical equipment and for minor capital expenditure this year. I have asked the chief executive officer of the board to investigate the position in relation to this case and to reply to the Deputy directly.
