John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The redevelopment of the smaller site, as the Deputy indicated, is being taken forward by the council and is supported by the Department. The homes for the elderly are a priority for the Government. The Minister of State, Deputy Jim Daly, held a conference on housing for the elderly last year with the Minister of State, Deputy English. A policy document on housing for the elderly was published within the past 12 months. It is very much the intention of the Government to ensure that a proposal brought forward by the city council will be speedily dealt with.

I have spoken frequently with Deputy Rock about the development of the primary care centre. As I said in my initial response, it is a matter for the Minister for Health and the HSE, but I reassure the Deputy that the funding for the provision of new primary care centres is reserved and is, therefore, unaffected by any other project. Each of us as constituency Deputies are acutely aware of the importance of primary care centres. The Deputy referred to the centre in Ballymun. Primary care centres have been developed and are at different stages in the development pipeline around the country. They are crucially important. I reassure the Deputy that funding is not the issue in that regard but a consultation process must be undergone on the ground. Having spoken to my colleague, Deputy Rock, I am aware of the sense of urgency that exists in Finglas to see the two landmark sites redeveloped for important local social need on the housing or community development fronts.

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