Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this matter. In fairness, he has been instrumental in the primary care centres that have been delivered and in having them delivered in a timely manner. I am dealing with this matter on behalf of the Minister of Health, who has asked me to thank the Deputy for raising this matter and for the opportunity to update the Dáil on this issue.

A central objective of the programme for Government is to deliver increased levels of integrated health care with service delivery reoriented towards general practice, primary care and community-based services to enable a "home first" approach. Integral to this is the development of primary care centres across the country in our local communities. PCCs provide important primary care infrastructure, providing a single point of access to services for the individual, and can serve as a resource more broadly for the community, creating a focal point for local health initiatives or providing community groups with a place to meet. It is for this reason that the development of primary care centres is an important part of Sláintecare. Significant progress has been made in the delivery of these PCCs, with 174 opened to date and a further seven in construction and due to open in 2024. These centres offer a tangible example of the investment this Government is making in community-based health infrastructure.

This is the part where it gets technical. The operational lease model is often the preferred model for developing PCCs. Under the model, the HSE enters fixed-term leases with developers. The HSE identifies the locations requiring primary care centres and invites interested parties to express their interest in providing suitable accommodation by way of public notice in national and-or local press. The primary care centre in Ballyhaunis is being delivered by way of this operational lease model.

The Department is aware that construction on Ballyhaunis primary care centre has been stalled for a considerable time. As the Deputy outlined, it was to be completed in 2020 or 2021. The Department is aware of the frustration this has caused the people of the town.

Unfortunately, the preferred provider of the new primary care centre in Ballyhaunis has indicated a potential issue regarding the viability of the project. Subsequently, engagement has taken place between the HSE and the developer to understand the nature and extent of the issue. However, should the preferred provider be unable to proceed, the HSE has reassured the Minister that it will be exploring all options to deliver a new primary care centre in the area. In this regard, the Minister wishes to assure the Deputy that this Government remains committed to the provision of the primary care centre in Ballyhaunis and to the continued development of primary care centres throughout the country.

See this speech in context