Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The need for a new primary care centre in Gorey was identified as part of the overall development programme and had progressed. The Deputy mentioned HSE incompetence, but the selected provider encountered difficulties regarding viability of the project. More than one project was involved; I know that for a fact. This is under an operational lease model. It is a new model the HSE is undertaking to deliver these primary care centres. In fairness, as regards the fact that the selected provider encountered difficulties regarding viability of this project and others, it was back to the drawing board and it had to be retendered before Christmas. I was as frustrated as the Deputy when I heard this news. Quite a few primary care centres in the south east are included in that. We will keep a very close eye to make sure that it is up on eTenders before the end of the month. We will all welcome that progress, seeing as there are two Deputies and the Ceann Comhairle from the south east in the room at the moment.

I reiterate that every effort is being made to provide as many GPs as possible. From 2023 to 2027, between 1.5 and three GP graduates will onboard for every expected GP retirement, and that is really positive. However, I take on board the point the Deputy made. There are some areas with significant challenges, huge waiting lists and people having to wait longer for GPs than they ever had to do previously, and it can be very frustrating. It is difficult for people when they move into a new area. If they do not have a medical card, they can find it hard to become part of a GP practice. We are aware of that. The only way we can resolve it is by having extra GPs, and please God they will come on stream as soon as possible.

I thank the Deputy. I have no doubt I will be back in here again to answer about Gorey primary care centre.

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