120. Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that MRI scans are not available to persons presenting through accident and emergency departments with joint injury in circumstances in which a consultant cannot give a definitive medical diagnosis using X-rays alone; his views on whether it is acceptable that many persons will have to wait between 12 and 18 months for said MRI scans in such circumstances or alternatively attend privately for same and then return to accident and emergency with MRI results to obtain a definitive diagnosis and pertinent treatment; his further views on whether this is best practice; his plans to address or review this anomaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18112/18]

As this is a service matter, the question raised by the Deputy has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.