Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I am raising the need for a primary health care centre in Finglas, especially in north Finglas, and the commitment that was given to locate one in the area. The population of Finglas and Dublin north west is increasing but the north Finglas area also has a higher percentage of older people than the national average, which is why a primary health care centre is essential.

The programme for Government committed to the delivery of enhanced primary health care centres in every community throughout the country and it was announced that funding was secured for 80 primary care centres. One of those centres was to be in north Finglas. This decision was made following surveys by the HSE on the population make-up, age profile, community needs and transport services in the area. The area was rightly identified as one of high priority that had a considerable need for the benefits brought by a primary care health centre. General practitioners had also committed to working with the HSE and other services.

As the Minister of State is aware, a number of sites were considered and one was chosen. Unfortunately, although Dublin City Council granted planning permission, this was overturned by An Bord Pleanála. It still baffles me how this happened. Be that as it may, that was two years ago, but currently there is the possibility of new sites in the north Finglas area. These would be more than suitable and would ideally suit a project as important as this one. Will the Minister of State provide a firm commitment that money and resources will be committed to this case and that efforts to secure the right site will not be hindered?

Pressure should be taken off local hospitals such as that in Blanchardstown and the Mater Hospital.

These hospitals are under constant pressure from dealing with minor injuries and providing social care services.

The primary health care centre in Ballymun has proved invaluable and has close links with local acute hospitals. This makes it easier for general practitioners to care for patients in the evenings and at weekends. Magnificent work is being done by staff, general practitioners and everyone else involved in the Ballymun primary care centre, which is widely praised in the community. We need to deliver services locally for this reason and it is time we got the Finglas project back on track.

North Finglas has been neglected for many years. The area has not had a general practitioner for as long as I can remember, which is a long time. This shows how serious the problem is in the area. Services are needed but the mistakes of the past must be avoided in terms of consultations with residents. The Minister must ensure residents are consulted and we do not get into the mess we ended up with in respect of the previous site.

I have been in contact with the Health Service Executive and I raised with it the potential to use a number of sites as a location for a primary care centre. I hope the Minister will put his shoulder to the wheel and apply more pressure to the HSE because it is essential that the Finglas area is provided with a primary care service. There is considerable anger in the community arising from the loss of the opportunity to have such a service two years ago. I hope this will not happen again. Let us discuss the issue with the HSE and get back on track.

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