Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The waiting time for routine investigations will be reduced by making better use of existing capacity, which is what Professor Keane said. He believes there are several ways this can be done and the HSE is working with general practitioners to achieve that. Any patient waiting over three months can be referred, or self refer, to the National Treatment Purchase Fund, as a high proportion are already.

There are three reports in question with regard to breast radiology services at the Midland Regional Hospital. The clinical review of breast radiology diagnosis from November 2003 to August 2007, when the issue was highlighted, was led by Dr. Ann O'Doherty, consultant radiologist in St. Vincent's. That review has been completed and the HSE expects to publish it in the next few days, perhaps even tomorrow, but I cannot be more definite about that.

The Minister for Health and Children has asked the chief executive officer of the HSE for a report on the circumstances that led to the decisions of the HSE to suspend breast radiology services at the hospital, to place a consultant radiologist on administrative leave and to initiate a clinical review of the breast radiology service. This report, by the review group led by Ms Ann Doherty of the National Hospitals Office, has been submitted to the Minister and I believe is ready for publication.

The Minister has also asked for a report from the board of the HSE on the management of all events, starting from and subsequent to those decisions. Mr. John Fitzgerald has also submitted that report to the Minister. She intends to publish both of those reports, with her considered views and response, tomorrow.

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