Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2014
1210. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the project regarding the upgrade of a health centre (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14172/14]
View answerThe primary care infrastructure model offers a good fit for public private financing. In 2012 the HSE completed a prioritisation exercise for all primary care centre locations. In addition to the locations' ranks as a result of the prioritisation exercise, the mechanism and timescale for delivery of primary care infrastructure 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. 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 the primary care infrastructure 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. The HSE is concentrating on applying the limited funding available for capital works in the most effective way possible to meet needs now and in the future.
