Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am coming to that. I have heard very clearly members' views on the issues of diagnostics and the MRI scanner. It is the view of all members, echoed by the CEO, that we could free up capacity and get people in and out of the hospital a lot quicker if we had an additional MRI scanner. I get that. There is need for consideration of how best to achieve that and there is a funding requirement which we need to examine. The Senator asked about social care and if, while we are waiting for additional beds, we can do more to help to get people home and into transitional care. I expect to be in a position next week on budget day to put together a winter package that will include an increased social care dividend. In terms of a timeline, I have suggested that the HSE should meet mid-western representatives in two weeks' time to see how we can progress these issues together.