Martin Conway (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Okay. I accept that. Deputy Durkan asked about the change in approach for primary healthcare centres. I have no doubt there is a good rationale for it. Like Deputy Durkan, I may not necessarily agree with the rationale, but I am interested in hearing about it. I will be parochial. Mr. Gloster is well aware of the circumstances in Ennistymon, County Clare. It has been promised a primary healthcare centre for many years now. It has got to the stage that none of the GP practices in the north Clare area are fit for purpose. All of them are too small to deal with the number of patients they are dealing with. All of them are waiting for this new primary healthcare centre, yet nothing seems to be happening. I have tabled questions in the Seanad about it. Timelines are given but none of them have been honoured or committed to. It has got so bad that GPs are now looking at opening their own primary healthcare centre, which they should not have to do. I would like clarity, once and for all, on exactly what is happening with the primary healthcare centre in Ennistymon. Will this new rationale or methodology that is being used benefit the people of north Clare as regards a primary healthcare centre?