Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

6 o’clock

I thank the Minister of State for the reply. The bus service will not resolve the problem. Even if there is a direct bus service to Carrigaline, it does not take people directly to the new primary care centre and even if one gets on a bus going to Crosshaven, it still does not take the person directly to the new primary care centre. There are really serious and practical difficulties for people who do not have their own private transport and who rely on public transport.

The Minister of State indicated that, having consulted with the Minister, Deputy Harris, the Health Service Executive has made assurances that for the small number of people who may not be in a position to travel to Carrigaline, the HSE will make arrangements to provide the required services at a location convenient to the person. That is a new statement and I welcome it but I am not entirely sure what it means. Does it mean that for elderly people who do not have their own transport or parents of young children who must avail of the service locally, there will a service provided in Passage West? Will the Minister of State elaborate on what he believes that means? If he cannot give an answer on the floor of the House of which he is certain, will he engage with the HSE to get an answer for me?

The bottom line is the people living in Passage West and some surrounding communities who do not have their own private transport rely on the services provided in the existing health centre. We are not wedded to that building or a model of delivering services but people are absolutely committed to the principle that services would be provided locally in the community of Passage West. The new facility in Carrigaline will be fantastic for those in a position to avail of it and it will have wider services. A number of people - I do not accept it will be a small number - will potentially be trapped and end up doing without a service. Will the Minister of State elaborate on the statement and if he cannot, will he please consult with the Minister, Deputy Harris, and the HSE to give us reassurance on its meaning? It sounds promising but I do not quite know what it means.

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