Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I urge the Minister to take on board the arguments made in support of this recommendation, particularly by the previous speaker. It is somewhat unusual that an amendment is being proposed by an Opposition party in order to support a Government policy. The development of primary care centres is a specific policy of the HSE. I do not have access to accurate information but I understand it intended to establish hundreds of these centres around the country.

I am somewhat biased from a local political perspective because a primary care centre has been developed in Mitchelstown. Another centre will open in Mallow in the next month, in respect of which virtually all the local doctors have worked together to put in place a structure costing tens of millions of euro in order to transform health services in the region. Almost every citizen in north County Cork will come to regard Mallow primary care centre as the first port of call for medical needs. All types of diagnostic equipment have been purchased, including facilities which traditionally were unavailable at GP clinics.

Unfortunately, as Senator Callely has noted, the economic climate has changed dramatically since the HSE set out its policy of establishing centres throughout the country. The money is not available at a time when, ironically, tens of thousands of construction workers are idle rather than working on the 150 to 200 centres that Government policy advocates.

I understand from a presentation by advocates of primary centres that between 70 and 80 projects are ready for construction if assistance can be made available. They are seeking tax relief rather than grant aid or cash incentives but unless the Departments of Finance and Health and Children offer some level of incentive they cannot proceed. It would be a tragedy if these projects do not come to fruition because primary care centres are integral to the transformation of our health services. Their development would ensure that every citizen of the State lives within a few dozen miles of a primary medical facility and would totally change the relationship between patients, doctors and hospitals. A much wider variety of treatments could be provided locally, such as radiography services. From a health perspective, they represent the direction in which we should be moving and it is Government and HSE policy.

It is not happening because of our changed economic circumstances but if proper incentives are put in place we can get the process going again. If such incentives are provided, we will see dozens of centres being developed within the next few months. They will give short-term employment to thousands of construction workers and, more importantly, provide fantastic medical facilities which will make a huge difference to the lives our citizens. It is the correct thing to do medically because it will reduce the workload at smaller hospitals, cut the queues at accident and emergency departments and bring first-class medical care to every community. We are not asking for a change to Government policy on health services, simply that the current policy be implemented.

I congratulate the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, Deputy Hanafin, on her new appointment and hope she enjoys it for a modest length of time.

While the Minister travels throughout the country as part of her Arts, Sport and Tourism portfolio she will see the towns and centres where these facilities can transform health services if they are put in place. I am aware of how the political system works and presumably the Minister is not in a position to say she will accept what we propose, but it is important that she gives a strong indication that the Government would put some degree of help, assistance or incentive in place. Our amendment is carefully and conservatively worded. We have all been written to by the various groups lobbying on behalf of the primary care centre developers and they do not need cash or grants but tax incentives. Some of my colleagues on this side of the House, who are no longer of the left, were very insistent that the centres should be run by general practitioners. They are not seeking tax incentives for developers to build primary care centres. They seek tax incentives for GPs who have clubbed together and put their own money into these projects. This is not about tax incentives or reliefs for a developer to build a centre and lease it out to a GP. They seek incentives for GPs who are putting their own money into the project.

As front-line deliverers of the service, they know the difference such measures can make. I trust the Minister can offer some light at the end of the tunnel. If we say "No", the situation will continue as before. It will not get worse but it will continue. This superb system of alternative health provision, which is modern, scientific, dynamic, inclusive and comprehensive, simply will not take place. This system is fundamental to turning around our health service and providing a proper service for every citizen. Whether it is called private health, public health or whatever, it is about the provision of a health service. We need such modern clinical facilities. This recommendation is fundamental and I trust the Minister and her colleagues in Government will afford it the most serious consideration. If we cannot get movement this year and strong positive signals concerning these projects, I fear it will come to nought and will represent a dreadful missed opportunity. The Minister should take serious note of what we propose and try to respond as favourably as possible under the circumstances.