Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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665. To ask the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be issued with an appointment for a shoulder MRI under the MRI winter initiative for general practitioners; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48011/21]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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GP’s ability to refer patients, particularly GMS patients, for diagnostic testing plays a key role in delivering health care in the community. As part of the HSE Winter Plan for 2020/2021, GP access to diagnostics was extended by the HSE to allow GPs to refer GMS patients to private providers.

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.