Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 September 2012
185. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health if he will publish the list of 200 locations listed, in priority, for locating primary health centres around the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41133/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2012 the HSE embarked on a prioritisation exercise for Primary Care Centres. In some locations the HSE had advanced discussions with developers and GPs regarding leasing premises in the area for primary care and this was deemed the most appropriate method for delivering these centres. A number of other high priority locations were selected for direct investment by the HSE using exchequer funds from the HSE’s capital allocation. The remaining locations were then considered for development by way of PPP as part of the Government’s stimulus package.
The list of 200 locations referred to in media reports represented the situation at a given point in time. However, the prioritisation exercise is a dynamic process, constantly evolving to take account of changing circumstances, including the feasibility of implementation. There are more than two hundred locations under consideration for progression and the list of locations requires further work and objective analysis by my Department and the HSE, particularly with regard to the feasibility of implementation. Accordingly, it is not proposed to publish the list at this time.
