Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge Deputy Michael Healy-Rae's support for the staff and the management at University Hospital Kerry. I will bring the concerns he raised to the Minister, Deputy Harris, as well as the particular points he raised in respect of Dr. Schranz.

In regard to investment in the health services, they will not be downgraded by stealth; there is no question of that. We have invested a great deal of money in the health services. We will deal with these issues as part of the reform agenda because we accept that we need to reform and invest in health services.

On the particular questions asked, it is important that we accept the following three points, which are very important. First, the UHK operations manager has engaged directly with the consultant radiologist about his concerns. Second, UHK has advised that it has developed a clear pathway for GP referrals for ultrasound scans which is transparent, fair, equitable and consistent with HSE protocols relating to fair and equitable access for public and private patients. Third, the UHK management has advised that the hospital has not received any safety incident forms regarding the ultrasound scan delays in the hospital. It also advises that none of its other radiologists have raised any concerns in that regard. That is important.

I will bring the other issues raised by Deputy Michael Healy-Rae to the Minister, Deputy Simon Harris. We will follow up on them and revert to the Deputy with a more detailed response.

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