Rose Conway Walsh (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is on the way into Belmullet and it is quite famous. It is also famous for the wonderful doctor we have there, namely, Dr. Miklos Penzes. He and his team provide a wonderful service to the community of Bangor. Since 2000 to 2001 we have been promised a fully equipped proper primary care centre in Erris, to be situated in Bangor. Recently there was some discussion about having it as part of the new tranche of primary care centres that were built, some of which are in Mayo in Castlebar, Westport and Claremorris. I want to know when that centre will be delivered. It is particularly pertinent now because the community is fearful of losing the existing general practitioner, GP, service, which covers a vast area of Erris and a major population. We are left in limbo as to whether the doctor, who has wonderful skills and a wonderful relationship with the community, will be serviced with a primary care centre. It would be helpful if the Minister of State could give us a date today as to when that project will be commenced. The cost overrun on national children's hospital has escalated fears about the delivery of the proposed centre. I need the HSE and the Minister to understand the urgency of having the primary care centre there. It is not right for elderly people not to have access to a proper GP service in their community. We are all dependent on having a proper GP service. That would go some way to allaying fears about the possibility of the doctor moving on. Other opportunities will be provided that will become available to doctors such as the GP in Bangor and we do not want that to happen and for us then to try to close the door after the horse has bolted is not good enough. I look forward to the Minister of State's response and to him providing some reassurance around when the primary care centre in Bangor Erris will be up and running.