Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2016
564. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in respect of the primary care building programme; the total number of such centres already in place, those planned and the schedule for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30983/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for a Partnership Government commits to a decisive shift towards primary care so that we can provide better care close to home for communities around the country. Primary Care Centres are an integral part of this because of the range of multi-disciplinary services they can provide and the role they can play in keeping people who don't need to be in an acute setting out of hospital.
I can advise the Deputy that 93 Primary Care Centres are already operational, of which 50 were opened from 2011 to date in 2016.
At present, there are 48 locations where primary care infrastructure is under construction or at an advanced planning stage, under three different methods of delivery: 14 by direct build, 14 by Public Private Partnership (PPP) and a further 20 by operational lease.
As the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the progress of planned and proposed Primary Care Centres.
