Question from Deputy Conor McGuinness - PQ 5501-26

To ask the Minister for Health if she is aware of the situation whereby patients referred to a private operator for an MRI by their general practitioner are told that they can have same-week availability if they pay as a private patient, but have to wait several weeks and possibly months if they decide to avail of the procedure publicly through their medical card; the provision made by her Department for those who need to avail of such an MRI urgently but cannot afford to pay; and if she will make a statement on the matter.