544. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health whether she is aware that patients presenting to hospitals requiring urgent gynaecological ultrasound investigations are, in some cases, being discharged or referred elsewhere because ultrasound services are unavailable at weekends; the number of hospitals affected by this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54537/26]

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.