Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)

I support the amendment put forward by Deputy Bruton. Simply put, it is Government policy to promote primary care centres. We all believe they are a good idea. One must ensure proper levels of service and equipment are available, which are very costly. This amendment would allow the Minister to consider the matter with the Minister for Health and Children to determine what measures could be put in place to enable the proper roll-out of primary care centres nationally. There are continuing difficulties within our hospitals which are under-staffed and under-resourced. Primary care centres must not fall into that situation. The amendment proposed by Deputy Bruton is clear, concise and affords the Minister latitude to examine the issue.

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