Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for tabling this question. The development of primary care centres through a combination of public and private investment is supporting the delivery of an enhanced range of multidisciplinary, locally accessible primary health care services. To date, there are 85 primary care centres in operation throughout the country, 42 of which have opened since 2011. The HSE uses three mechanisms to deliver primary care infrastructure, including direct build - by the HSE; public-private partnership, PPP; and operational lease with the private sector. There are currently 37 locations where primary care centres are under construction or at an advanced planning stage using one of these three methods of delivery.

Direct Build centres are funded through the HSE’s multi-annual capital plan, with funding provided for 16 centres in the plan. Some 14 centres are being progressed through public-private partnerships. This project is currently out to tender with three preferred bidders. Tenders are due to be returned early in 2015 and it is expected that the preferred bidder will be selected in Quarter 2, 2015. Subject to successful completion of financial and contractual arrangements, it is expected that construction work will commence before the end of 2015, with the centres expected to be completed by the first half of 2017. To date, 43 primary care centres have been delivered through the Operational Lease model. The HSE is at advanced stages with developers in 28 locations where agreements for lease have been entered into and it is currently at negotiation stage in an additional 32 locations where Letters of Intent have been issued.

In November 2014, the HSE advertised an additional 73 locations for delivery of primary care centres by Operational Lease. Friday last, 16 January, was the closing date for receipt of Expressions of Interest. The HSE will review all Expressions of Interest to determine which are suitable for more detailed consideration and progression to the next stage of the process.

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