Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome what the Minister has said about the opening of the primary care centre in Ashbourne. At the start of the year we were told it would open in the first quarter, then that it would happen in May. From what the Minister of State has said, I note significant progress is being made, which I acknowledge and welcome. It is a shame to see a large building being under utilised, although, as the Minister of State said, the GPs have been in place for some time. I hope the system works and that there will be real co-operation between GPs not just in the centre, but between other doctors in the area who should be able to achieve synergies and facilitate the cross-care requirements of the various therapies and mental health.

Some concerns have been raised about the reduction in the services available in Dunshaughlin, and I may write to the Minister for Health about the matter, but they are not evident from the Minister of State's reply. It may simply be another base for staff to work from for the provision of health care services in south County Meath. I hope that is the case.