Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that the Ireland East Hospital Group and the HSE are committed to progressing the new MRI unit in the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar for the people of counties Westmeath and Longford and the broader midlands. I am pleased the building works to facilitate the MRI equipment are progressing in the context of the planned completion date. Consideration is being given to the funding allocation for the MRI staffing required. In the interim, as I said, the recruitment of the clinical specialist radiographer will be actively progressed.

I reiterate the Government's commitment to healthcare reform. A significant amount has been delivered and this is having an impact on patients' lives. The Deputy is correct, however. There is a value for money argument here, which he has outlined, and I share his view in this regard. I refer as well to the opportunity for further diagnostics in respect of people who may not have been referred for an MRI because there is no opportunity to get one within the region presently. This is an aspect we are trying to strengthen in the context of overall diagnostics in healthcare. I appreciate the point that to give fruition to the great work done locally and within the hospital community around the capital allocation, it is important the staffing complement is increased. I will certainly communicate the urgency and prioritisation the Deputy has outlined from the local community to the Minister. I will also convey the Deputy's feedback concerning the staff feedback on parking and I will get the Minister to engage directly with the Deputy on this topic.

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