Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have already given that commitment but I am happy to give it again. I have engaged with Deputies on a cross-party basis in the mid-west on this issue. It is fair to say that in years gone by the region was left with an inadequate number of beds. We are fixing that problem. I recently paid an unannounced visit to University Hospital Limerick where I saw that a 60-bed ward extension is under construction. We will deliver another 96 beds under the capital plan. We have delivered a new emergency department in University Hospital Limerick after years of neglect. I believe there is merit is having an extra MRI scanner. I have been convinced of that case by the chief executive of the hospital and Members of this House. I have asked the National Treatment Purchase Fund, the hospital group and the HSE to do their best to put a funding stream in place. I want to see a second MRI scanner provided urgently at the hospital. I will keep in touch with the Members from the mid-west on that.

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