Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

-----as part of the stimulus package, every Senator and Deputy in the areas connected with these centres issued statements welcoming their construction. It became apparent later that only 20 of the 35 announced in the stimulus package would be built. Senator Leyden referred to the lack of progress being made in Boyle and Ballaghaderreen. The same applies to Kells in County Meath, which was one of the 15 locations added to the list of 35. There is nothing happening in relation to the provision of that primary care centre. I raised this matter on the Adjournment last week. Negotiations collapsed in 2010. The Minister said in this Chamber last week that the HSE is seeking to resurrect those negotiations. I do not believe they can be resurrected if they broke down in 2010. Shame on the Minister for Health to announce a centre in Kells when there appears to be no foundation for it. This appears to be the pattern throughout the country, except as mentioned by Senator Leyden, in Balbriggan and Swords.

I am opposed to the health policy being devised, which is based on competing insurance companies.