Wexford MRI scanner
Deputy Murphy raised the long-promised MRI scanner for Wexford General Hospital after local fundraising. The Taoiseach said he would speak to the Health Minister and pursue a resolution, noting staffing and capacity issues.
Last night, I watched a video of a tractor run organised by Friends of Wexford General Hospital to raise much-needed funds for an MRI scanner for the hospital. That was back in 2018. A total of 300 tractors took part and many more dedicated people from all walks of life have done similar fundraising. However, the MRI scanner that was promised in an undertaking given by Government never transpired, even though the required €250,000 was raised. The people of Wexford still do not have their MRI scanner and they are asking the Government when Wexford General Hospital will receive it. Its provision was supposed to be contained in the programme for Government. It was committed to when two other hospitals, in Mullingar and Kilkenny, received theirs. Will the Taoiseach enlighten the people in this regard?
Comment on this
I will engage with the Minister for Health on this. Fundraising for equipment is one thing but, obviously, the key is to get the staffing in place and the capacity to deliver and do all of that. That is a key issue in terms of any equipment that is provided across the board in health. I acknowledge and pay tribute to those who have fundraised for this. Other Deputies in the constituency have raised the issue with me as well. I will pursue this to see whether we can get a resolution.