Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2012
653. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health the reason the primary care centre that was set to be built in Rowlagh, Dublin 22, and was originally to be built using the capital programme, is now to be built under public private partnership; the person who made the decision to change the method of development and the criteria used when making this decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43145/12]
View answer658. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for the development of the primary care centre in Rowlagh, Dublin 22, including its expected completion date, which is to be built under public private partnership. [43150/12]
View answer659. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for the development of the primary care centre in Rathdrum, County Wicklow, including its expected completion date, which is to be built under public private partnership [43151/12]
View answer660. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for the development of the primary care centre in Dungloe, County Donegal, including its expected completion date, which is to be built under public private partnership. [43152/12]
View answer661. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for the development of the primary care centre in Ballymote, County Sligo, including its expected completion date, which is to be built under public private partnership. [43153/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 653 and 658 to 661, inclusive, together.
Delivery of the health capital infrastructure stimulus is a service matter and the question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
The following information was provided under Standing Order 40A
Rowlagh/North Clondalkin was never included in a Capital Plan and was not, indeed, included on the 2012 Capital Plan submitted to the Department. Approval has recently issued for the 2012 Plan and details will be posted on the HSE's website as soon as is practicable.
It is understood that the Deputy, in asserting that a PCC was to be delivered in Rowlagh by way of the HSE's capital programme may be referring to lists reported in the media. It is important to state that these lists related to work that was ongoing; that they were work in progress. The prioritisation exercise was a dynamic process, constantly evolving to take account of changing circumstances, including the feasibility of implementation.
An assessment/evaluation of each proposed primary care centre location was undertaken with the infrastructural requirement evaluated under three headings: 1) accommodation assessment; 2) service priority; and 3) deprivation index. The selection of a delivery mechanism was not, however, solely dependent on the resultant priority or ranking. The delivery mechanism selected for each location was based on suitability and the availability of funding (insofar as it is known at any point in time). The following considerations were taken into account:
- agreements for lease in place - where there were good prospects of the leased centre being delivered - these locations remained as lease strategy;
- The size of the centre - the larger centres are more attractive to PPP bidders;
- Extensions to existing facilities or refurbishment of existing buildings are not suitable projects for PPP.
The delivery method for a potential PCC in Rowlagh/North Clondalkin changed in the lists reported in the media and published by the Department as part of the Government's Infrastructure Stimulus Package. This change was on the advice of the Head of Estates in the HSE as PPP was considered to be the method by which progress in this development could potentially commence quickest. However, as mentioned above, the method and timescale for delivery of PCCs is dependent on a number of factors and the list will continue to be reviewed and revised as necessary.
