Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 15 Feb 2000

Vol. 514 No. 3

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

206 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Southern Health Board entered into a contract for an MRI scanning service in January 2000; and if sanction was received from his Department to enter into this contract. [4050/00]

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

207 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has received a submission from the Southern Health Board requesting funding for the development of a public MRI scanning service at Cork University Hospital. [4051/00]

Bernard Allen

Ceist:

220 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will investigate a situation whereby a contract was entered into by the Southern Health Board with a company (details supplied) for the supply of MRI scans without the contract going to public tender; and if the procedures followed were in line with procedures for the awarding of five year contracts. [4230/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 206, 207 and 220 together.

Arrangements for the provision of diagnostic imaging services at Cork University Hospital are the statutory responsibility of the Southern Health Board. It is a matter for the board to ensure that these arrangements are in line with any relevant procedures governing public procurement and in this regard I have asked the board to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the recent renewal of the contract for the provision of MRI scans. The board has assured me that the arrangements currently in place facilitate improved access for patients who would otherwise need to travel to Dublin for access to MRI facilities to this specialised service and are cost effective in terms of the overall cost to the board.

My Department is in regular contact with the Southern Health Board concerning development priorities and has worked to address a large capital investment programme at Cork University Hospital. This programme has encompassed equipment replacement and general upgrading of the hospital as well as plans for the development of new facilities for treating people with cancer, a new accident and emergency department and a new maternity and neonatal unit. In the context of this ongoing programme of investment in the development of facilities at Cork University Hospital, the board has not identified the provision of an MRI scanner as a priority at this time.

I am aware that the Southern Health Board is now considering capital equipment priorities for the next five years and I will consider these proposals in the context of the resources available and in line with the priorities identified by the Southern Health Board.