John Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the response that has been given by the Department of Health on this matter. It reiterates many of our concerns locally on the issue. I am glad to see that the response highlights it is disappointing to see that local politics has played a part in what could lead to local people not getting what they are entitled to, deserve and ultimately need.

As the Minister of State said, the particular location for this site is the best one on all grounds. I have also heard that from the HSE. In addition, her reply highlighted the fact that this is in an area of huge social deprivation. Those who need the service most would benefit from it because it would be on their doorsteps. It would also be accessible for people from all around the area by other modes of transport, including buses.

I thank the Minister of State for her positive response which recognises the need for this centre in its current location. I will continue to support this project at local level. I have spoken to the Minister of State with responsibility for primary care, Deputy Alex White, about this matter and he is aware of the situation. He is very concerned about the decision not to move to building on this particular site.

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Jan O'Sullivan, for taking on my concerns. I look forward to hopefully having a positive outcome. When we take politics out of this, the only winners at the end of the day should be the people of Finglas and nobody else.

See this speech in context