Olivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 135: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her plans to introduce more MRI scanners to the public health system; if so, the number of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35405/05]

Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 159: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of MRI scanners which exist in the public health service; the number in use in the public health system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35403/05]

Gay Mitchell (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 190: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the number of MRI scanners in the public service which are in use 24 hours a day seven days a week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35404/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 135, 159 and 190 together.

The Deputies' questions relate to the management and delivery of health and personal social services, which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act 2004. My Department is advised by the HSE that there are 12 MRI scanners in the public hospital service around the country. Each hospital network has at least one MRI scanner which is available from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In addition, hospitals have on-call arrangements in place to allow for the management of emergency cases outside of these hours. The introduction of additional MRI scanners to the public health system is a matter for the HSE in the context of its management of the health capital programme.