Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 February 2013
336. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of existing primary care centres there are in the south east region; the number that have been built in the past two years; the number scheduled to be built; and the anticipated timeline for their completion. [7889/13]
View answer337. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if he will set out in tabular form the number of primary care centres by region; and if he will set out in tabular form the geographic spread of proposed new primary care centres on the same regional basis. [7890/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 336 and 337 together.
Primary care infrastructure is being delivered using three mechanisms which are - public private partnership, operational lease and direct-build.
With regard to the PPP process, the current position is that the HSE is engaging with the NDFA to progress the programme and is also analysing the available sites in each location and engaging with the GPs in each location to determine their interest in participating in the primary care centre development. While it is not possible, at this time, to give start and completion dates for any of the individual 20 potential locations, the best estimate is that these primary care centres will be completed by late 2016.
Using the operational lease mechanism the HSE has delivered primary care infrastructure at 30 locations and is continuing its collaboration with the private sector to progress suitable locations. Another two locations are expected to open in Q1 2013. There will always be more construction projects than can be funded by the Exchequer using the direct-build mechanism. The Health Service Executive must prioritise healthcare projects including primary care infrastructure within its overall capital envelope taking into account its existing capital commitments and costs to completion over the period.
Work is underway on the Executive's multi-annual Capital Plan 2013-2017. My Department is reviewing the proposals and following up with the HSE where further details may be required. This draft Plan will require my approval with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. Once approved the Executive will publish on its website details of the Plan including primary care facilities to be delivered.
As the delivery of healthcare infrastructure is a service matter the Deputy's question has been referred to the Executive for direct reply on facilities delivered in the south east and nationally.
