Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 September 2013
269. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which his Department’s primary care building programme has progressed; the number of such centres already completed and in operation; the number proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40304/13]
View answerConsiderable progress is being made in the delivery of primary care centres. 32 Primary Care Centres have opened since May 2011.
The delivery of primary care infrastructure is a dynamic process and must take account of changing circumstances including the feasibility of implementing the delivery of the centres by means of lease, direct- build or PPP. GP engagement and agreement to deliver services from primary care centres is central to the delivery of the necessary infrastructure. 35 potential locations for primary care centres for development by way of PPP were announced in the July 2012 Infrastructure Stimulus Package. The HSE is currently finalising sites and assessing GP engagement at 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.
