I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 21, 23, 25 and 68 together.
The Deputies have asked about the development of primary care centres at a number of specific locations.
I can confirm that each of these locations is included in the published list of thirty-five potential locations for the delivery of primary care centres by public private partnership. The initiative is part of the Government’s Infrastructure Stimulus Package announced in July of this year.
Of the thirty-five locations identified, approximately twenty will be commissioned, subject to
a) agreement between the local GPs and the HSE on active local GP involvement in the centres; and
b) site suitability and availability.
It is envisaged that the locations will be offered to the market in two separate bundles.
The current position is that the HSE is engaging with the NDFA as required to progress the primary care centre element of the Government’s Public Private Partnership Programme. The HSE is currently analysing the available sites in each location and engaging with the GPs to determine their interest in participating in the primary care centre development.
I would like to remind the Deputies that the PPP programme is but one method of delivering primary care centres. The HSE continues to examine options with regard to leasing and exchequer-funded HSE build.