Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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432. To ask the Minister for Health the reason for the long waiting lists for magnetic resonance imaging, MRI, scans at Crumlin Hospital (details supplied) in Dublin 12; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5716/15]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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There has been a significant increase in the number of MRI scans provided at Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin in recent years, resulting in pressure on available MRI capacity. In 2011, 1600 MRI scans were carried out while in 2014, the number had risen to over 2000. The Government regards the situation in relation to waiting times for MRI scans for children as unacceptable and acknowledges the difficulties which delays cause for patients and their families. The HSE has advised that all patients who are referred for MRI at the hospital are clinically triaged by a consultant radiologist and urgent cases are prioritised, and that the hospital is undertaking a number of initiatives to address the waiting list for MRI scans. The Department of Health and the HSE are continuing to work together to address waiting times for diagnostic services, including MRI, and to ensure appropriate collection and reporting of MRI waiting times.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up with them.