General Practitioner Co-operatives

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2010

Tuesday, 18 May 2010

Ceisteanna (91)

Pat Rabbitte

Ceist:

114 Deputy Pat Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health and Children if she will consider new ways to provide diagnostic services through general practitioners in view of the waiting times for X-rays, MRI scans and so on; the cost of having these carried out at acute hospitals; the potential for GPs to carry out these services; if leasing of equipment that would be accessible to the GPs, for example, has been considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20208/10]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health and Children (Deputy Mary Harney)

I acknowledge the importance of easy access to diagnostics in the community. I understand that the Health Service Executive is examining the whole area of access to diagnostics, including the issues raised by the Deputy, and will make recommendations in due course.

I wish to advise the Deputy that due to industrial action affecting the Health Service Executive it is not possible for the Executive to supply any further information. If this matter remains of continuing concern to you, however, I would invite you to raise it with me again in due course.