Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

The primary care strategy is a primary objective in the programme for Government. However, questions arise for the role of primary care as a front line service in the context of the moratorium and the early retirement of highly skilled professionals. Is it possible that the moratorium will delay the roll-out of the primary care strategy because insufficient human resources will be available for deployment in the areas where they are most needed?

The Government has patted itself on the back for the progress made on the strategy to date but when one drills into the figures many of the primary care teams are barely up and running. They may be holding meetings but whether they are delivering primary health care is another question. Does the Minister of State accept that while a considerable number of meetings are being held they have not reached the point of delivering care?

Is the Minister of State seeking private funding for the strategy and has an approach been made to her Department by people who are willing to provide private investment for primary health centres?

See this speech in context