Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her response. I am greatly appreciative of the information she provided because it was not known to me or to the local councillors exactly what was happening. The communication from the HSE in this matter needs to improve. I welcome that the Minister of State has got this information for us and that she is facilitating my questions on this important and urgent issue for the people of Birr and the wider area of south Offaly and north Tipperary.

I have another question for the Minister of State. She said that it the HSE hopes to made a decision on submissions received in the first quarter of 2021. I welcome that information, as I said, but we really need ongoing updates from the HSE on the matter. I do not want to have to keep chasing it for answers. In fairness, when I sent in my parliamentary questions to the Minister, they were acknowledged, but there was no follow-up from the HSE. This issue must be a top priority for the Department because the establishment of a primary care centre in Birr is very important to the people living there. I do not want to be back here in two years' time saying that nothing has happened and the sod has not yet been turned. I really hope we can get things moving very quickly and get the project off the ground.

I reiterate that the HSE needs to step up to the mark. Its communication thus far has been dire. I would like to see a timeline of what is happening as we go along. If the HSE could provide a briefing on the progress being made, as it is made, that would be very helpful. My constituents are very concerned about this issue and I, as their Deputy, would love to see the primary care centre in place. The cathaoirleach of Offaly County Council is also working very hard on the issue, as I outlined. Instead of promises, we want certainty that the project will be delivered. As it progresses, we want to be able to engage with the HSE and get feedback on it.

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