Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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9. To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding his plans to role out primary care centres throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2339/15]

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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I am seeking an update from the Minister on the plans for the primary care centres in 2015 and 2016 and how often they are reviewed and updated.

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I thank the Deputy for tabling this question. The development of primary care centres through a combination of public and private investment is supporting the delivery of an enhanced range of multidisciplinary, locally accessible primary health care services. To date, there are 85 primary care centres in operation throughout the country, 42 of which have opened since 2011. The HSE uses three mechanisms to deliver primary care infrastructure, including direct build - by the HSE; public-private partnership, PPP; and operational lease with the private sector. There are currently 37 locations where primary care centres are under construction or at an advanced planning stage using one of these three methods of delivery.

Direct Build centres are funded through the HSE’s multi-annual capital plan, with funding provided for 16 centres in the plan. Some 14 centres are being progressed through public-private partnerships. This project is currently out to tender with three preferred bidders. Tenders are due to be returned early in 2015 and it is expected that the preferred bidder will be selected in Quarter 2, 2015. Subject to successful completion of financial and contractual arrangements, it is expected that construction work will commence before the end of 2015, with the centres expected to be completed by the first half of 2017. To date, 43 primary care centres have been delivered through the Operational Lease model. The HSE is at advanced stages with developers in 28 locations where agreements for lease have been entered into and it is currently at negotiation stage in an additional 32 locations where Letters of Intent have been issued.

In November 2014, the HSE advertised an additional 73 locations for delivery of primary care centres by Operational Lease. Friday last, 16 January, was the closing date for receipt of Expressions of Interest. The HSE will review all Expressions of Interest to determine which are suitable for more detailed consideration and progression to the next stage of the process.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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I thank the Minister of State for her reply. The primary care centres are a fundamental plank of the Government's strategy to keep people out of hospitals. This question relates to the previous question in regard to trolley usage in our acute hospitals. In Beaumont Hospital, which is in my constituency, many people are being treated for COPD. Treatment of these people outside of the hospital system would result in up to 45 beds per day or 28,500 bed nights per annum being freed up. There is huge potential in regard to the introduction of the primary care centres.

Perhaps the Minister of State would provide an update on the status of the Coolock, Darndale and Edenmore primary care centres. The method of delivery of the centres, including by public private partnership or operational lease, are subject to market conditions, developers and so on. Perhaps the Minister of State would update me on how often the list in relation to primary care centres is updated in terms of viability and so on.

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The enhancement of primary care centres will have a manifold impact not just for health in the community by stopping people from having to access acute care in hospitals. The second impact it will have is with the recovery of the economy and the building industry which I believe is as important for those engaged in it with regard to their general and mental health.

I do not have the information on the Deputy’s specific area but I will get it for him. Primary care provision is reviewed very often. The progress we are making in it is extraordinary and going at a rate of knots. The interest in it is incredible too. I attended one of the meet-the-buyers sessions recently and it was impossible to get in the door due to the extent of interest. It is about ensuring we have proper facilities in primary care and, equally, that we get GPs, general practitioners, to co-operate through providing their specialisms and covering certain geographical areas. There are difficulties in some areas, as Members know, but we are managing it.

Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Independent)
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I very much appreciate the Minister's reply and her commitment in this area. What are the figures for 2015 and 2016 for the Health Service Executive's, HSE, direct own build of primary care centres? Obviously, the delivery of primary care centres is going to take significant pressures off acute hospitals. People will want to stay in their communities rather than necessarily having to travel to hospitals. The sooner more of these primary care centres get up and running the better.

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Forty two centres have been delivered since 2011 while 37 are currently under construction. Up to 43 primary care centres been delivered under the operational lease model. The HSE is at an advanced stage with developers in 28 locations where agreements for leases have been entered into. The HSE has advertised an additional 73 locations for delivery of primary care centres by operational lease. The closing date for that was 16 January 2015.

A considerable body of work has been completed. I will ensure the Deputy gets a specific reply for his area.