Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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I am raising the need for a primary health care centre in Finglas, especially in north Finglas, and the commitment that was given to locate one in the area. The population of Finglas and Dublin north west is increasing but the north Finglas area also has a higher percentage of older people than the national average, which is why a primary health care centre is essential.

The programme for Government committed to the delivery of enhanced primary health care centres in every community throughout the country and it was announced that funding was secured for 80 primary care centres. One of those centres was to be in north Finglas. This decision was made following surveys by the HSE on the population make-up, age profile, community needs and transport services in the area. The area was rightly identified as one of high priority that had a considerable need for the benefits brought by a primary care health centre. General practitioners had also committed to working with the HSE and other services.

As the Minister of State is aware, a number of sites were considered and one was chosen. Unfortunately, although Dublin City Council granted planning permission, this was overturned by An Bord Pleanála. It still baffles me how this happened. Be that as it may, that was two years ago, but currently there is the possibility of new sites in the north Finglas area. These would be more than suitable and would ideally suit a project as important as this one. Will the Minister of State provide a firm commitment that money and resources will be committed to this case and that efforts to secure the right site will not be hindered?

Pressure should be taken off local hospitals such as that in Blanchardstown and the Mater Hospital.

These hospitals are under constant pressure from dealing with minor injuries and providing social care services.

The primary health care centre in Ballymun has proved invaluable and has close links with local acute hospitals. This makes it easier for general practitioners to care for patients in the evenings and at weekends. Magnificent work is being done by staff, general practitioners and everyone else involved in the Ballymun primary care centre, which is widely praised in the community. We need to deliver services locally for this reason and it is time we got the Finglas project back on track.

North Finglas has been neglected for many years. The area has not had a general practitioner for as long as I can remember, which is a long time. This shows how serious the problem is in the area. Services are needed but the mistakes of the past must be avoided in terms of consultations with residents. The Minister must ensure residents are consulted and we do not get into the mess we ended up with in respect of the previous site.

I have been in contact with the Health Service Executive and I raised with it the potential to use a number of sites as a location for a primary care centre. I hope the Minister will put his shoulder to the wheel and apply more pressure to the HSE because it is essential that the Finglas area is provided with a primary care service. There is considerable anger in the community arising from the loss of the opportunity to have such a service two years ago. I hope this will not happen again. Let us discuss the issue with the HSE and get back on track.

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I thank Deputy Ellis for raising this important matter and fully understand his frustration. The Minister has asked me to convey his apologies as he has been unavoidably detained elsewhere this evening.

The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to a decisive shift towards primary care so that we can provide better care close to home for communities nationwide. Primary care centres facilitate the shift from acute care to primary care because of the range of multidisciplinary services they can provide and the role they can play in keeping people who do not need to be in an acute setting out of hospital.

The development of primary care centres to accommodate primary care teams and, where possible, general practitioners, is a key enabler for the delivery of primary care services. The nature and range of the services provided from a primary care centre may vary and such facilities can, and often do, fulfil other public functions too.

I advise the Deputy that 97 primary care centres are already operational, of which 54 have been opened since 2011. There are 40 locations at which primary care infrastructure is under construction or at an advanced planning stage under three different methods of delivery. Of these, 12 are by direct build, 14 are by public private partnership and a further 14 by operational Iease. A further 43 locations are at an early planning stage. The mechanism and timescale for delivery of primary care centres are dependent on a number of factors. Delivery of primary care infrastructure is a dynamic process, constantly evolving to take account of changing circumstances, including the feasibility of implementation.

Regardless of delivery mechanism, all potential primary care infrastructure is subject to suitable locations being offered, provided or available, subject to successful planning processes and GP commitment to sharing accommodation and delivering health care services with HSE staff. In addition, the operational lease mechanism is subject to market pressures such as the developer's access to adequate financing. Some of these factors are outside the control of the Health Service Executive.

In February 2015, An Bord Pleanála took the unexpected decision not to grant planning permission for the Finglas primary care centres on the Mellowes Road site following an appeal by local residents on permission which had previously been granted by Dublin City Council. I am advised that HSE estates, in conjunction with the local primary care service team, is reviewing several alternative sites for a new primary care centre in Finglas. The HSE has advised that it is at the initial stages of contact with agents representing the landowners of the sites to determine the viability of purchasing them and is conducting internal risk assessments with respect to local sensitivities with planning permission due to previous decisions.

Developments in the Finglas area include the HSE refurbishment of the Ballygall health centre on Seamus Ennis Road, which has resulted in the doubling of clinic rooms available in the centre. Improvement works to the Wellmount health centre on Wellmount Road has provided three additional rooms in the centre.

Finglas remains a priority for the Department and HSE as one of the communities considered most in need of access to primary car services. Subject to successful negotiation, this project will be prioritised again in future capital plans. I assure the Deputy that the Department and Health Service Executive are fully committed to delivering a primary care service in the Finglas area.

Dessie Ellis (Dublin North West, Sinn Fein)
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I had hoped the Minister of State would give a much stronger commitment on the provision of a primary care centre in Finglas. While the work to bring two other health care centres in the area up to a better standard has been very welcome, the area is still missing large chunks of health services. The provision of a primary health care centre would solve many of the current problems by filling gaps in services, for example, by dealing with minor injuries, mental health issues and care for senior citizens.

It is essential that the mistakes made two years ago are not repeated. The HSE must engage in consultations and find out what will be the problems. I am glad HSE staff are examining this matter to ensure we do not run into similar problems. Having spoken to the HSE, I am aware that several sites are being considered. However, I would have liked the Minister of State to have made a clear and unequivocal statement that money is available to acquire a site and deliver a primary health care centre. People in the community fear that the outcome in respect of the previous proposal will mean Finglas losing the opportunity to have a primary care centre. If a site becomes available, will funding be provided and the project advanced as a matter of urgency? It is crucial that this is done because the service is essential.

Having been in the Ballymun health centre, I know what primary care centres deliver. The way in which the Ballymun centre is managed and operated is fabulous. Similar services have been delivered elsewhere in the country. I want the Minister of State to provide a commitment on funding and construction for a primary care centre in Finglas.

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy (Offaly, Fine Gael)
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It is unfortunate that the decision by An Bord Pleanála caused a difficulty in the Finglas area. The HSE recently submitted its capital plan for 2017 and this is being reviewed by the Department. The plan requires the approval of the Minister for Health and the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. I wish I could give the Deputy an indication of what is in the capital plan but I have not seen it. I reiterate the commitment made by the Department and HSE on delivering a primary care centre in Finglas.