Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 February 2014
230. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health in respect of the provision of primary care centres by means of leasing arrangements with the private sector, if he will outline the system, if any, by which locations are prioritised to ensure limited resources are allocated to the areas of greatest need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8542/14]
View answerIn 2012 the HSE completed on a prioritisation exercise for all primary care centre locations. The primary care infrastructure model offers a good fit for public private financing.
In addition to the locations' ranks as a result of the prioritisation exercise, the mechanism and timescale for delivery of primary care infrastructure, including those to be delivered by the operational lease mechanism, is dependent on a number of factors including GP participation. GP commitment to sharing accommodation with HSE staff and delivering health care services from these facilities is essential for primary care centre delivery. Therefore locations cannot proceed unless GPs are prepared to engage in the process.
Regardless of the delivery mechanism, all potential primary care centres are also subject to suitable locations being offered/provided/available and to successful planning processes. In addition the operational lease mechanism is subject to market pressures such as the developers' access to sufficient financing. Delivery of primary care infrastructure is a dynamic exercise, constantly evolving to take account of changing circumstances including the feasibility of implementation.
As with all capital projects this programme must be considered within the overall capital envelope available to the health service. There will always be more projects than can be funded by the Exchequer. There is limited funding available for new projects over the period 2014-2018 given the level of commitments and the costs to completion already in place. Nevertheless, where possible, the HSE's capital programme will include provision to progress primary care centres with the highest ranking following the 2012 national prioritisation exercise by direct/own-build in the event that other delivery mechanisms are not feasible.
