Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

The report was only presented to the Minister of Health and Children last month. She will consider it and then advise us on the matter. A suite of measures is considered in the report. The Minister for Finance is of the view that no one thing should be taken in isolation and he will wait for the recommendations of the Minister for Health and Children as well. I accept what Deputies have said about the importance of such centres and the impact they could have on reducing waiting lists, etc., for accident and emergency departments. However, at present some 200 primary care centres are under consideration for leasing arrangements. In the case of 90 of these, contract negotiations are under way and, in turn, approximately 30 of these are expected to open this year. The key issue is not in respect of the number but the fact that each of these developments benefits from Exchequer funding already. Any suggestion to further supplement the contribution of the Exchequer would have to be very compelling since the centres are already being supported. Deputy Sherlock referred to the property-based tax incentives. Even in this Finance Bill the property-based tax incentives for child care facilities have been removed and it is the intention to support new or further incentives.

Another issue of relevance relates to the equipment doctors use. I understand that if equipment is used for diagnostic or treatment purposes, which are the words used in the amendment, it comes in under plant and machinery. Equipment used in such centres will qualify for capital allowance at 12.5% per annum over eight years. Given that the Exchequer is funding each of the centres in some way or another and because capital allowances are available for the equipment for doctors, etc., the Minister for Finance is not keen to grant any further reliefs at this stage. Obviously, we must await the recommendation of the Minister for Health and Children also.

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