Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 October 2012
659. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the reason he changed the list of primary care centres which the Health Service Executive had planned to provide in its draft capital plan and specifically the reason he moved Coolock South, Rowlagh, Rathdrum, Dungloe and Ballymote from the capital list to the PPP list which he announced on 17 July; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46248/12]
View answerThe consideration of projects for inclusion in the multi-annual capital programme is an evolving process. There are always more construction projects than can be funded from the Exchequer's capital health care allocation. The Health Service Executive is required to prioritise infrastructure projects within its overall capital envelope taking into account the existing capital commitments and costs of completion over the period.
Rowlagh/North Clondalkin, Coolock, Dungloe, and Ballymote were never included in a Capital Plan and were not, indeed, included on the HSE's proposed 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. With regard to Rathdrum, it has been included in the HSE's capital programme not as a HSE build but for potential lease. Rowlagh/North Clondalkin, Dungloe, and Rathdrum were three of the locations advertised by the HSE when expressions of interest were sought from the private sector for the delivery of primary care facilities. In asserting that the HSE had planned to provide for PCCs in Rowlagh/North Clondalkin, Coolock, Dungloe, Ballymote and Rathdrum in its capital programme, you 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 is a dynamic process, constantly evolving to take account of changing circumstances, including the feasibility of implementation.
The delivery method for potential PCCs in Rowlagh/North Clondalkin, Coolock, Dungloe, Ballymote and Rathdrum 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 these developments could potentially commence quickest. The method and time scale for the delivery of PCCs is dependent on a number of factors and the list will continue to be reviewed and revised as necessary.
