Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 October 2012
693. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the list of 200 locations which were earmarked for primary care centres; the reason the Ballyshannon Primary Care Centre was not prioritised for inclusion in the centres selected for progression; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46485/12]
View answerThe consideration of any project 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.
The list of 200 locations referred to in media reports represented the situation at a given point in time. However, the prioritisation exercise is a dynamic process constantly evolving to take account of changing circumstances, including the feasibility of implementation. There are more than 200 locations under consideration for progression and the list of locations requires further work and objective analysis by my Department and the HSE, particularly with regard to the feasibility of implementation. Accordingly it is not proposed to publish the list at this time.
