Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I inform the House that good progress continues to be made on the development and roll-out of primary care centres, contrary to what the Senator might try to point to, with 126 now fully operational, up from 43 at the end of 2010. There has been an incremental increase over the years, with eight coming on stream in 2016, nine in 2017 and 18 last year, representing a doubling in 2018. These centres are playing a key role in delivering the vision for reform for the more effective health service underlined in Sláintecare. A further 12 primary care centres are expected to open in 2019, with at least another five to follow in 2020. Beyond that, 12 additional primary care centres are at the advanced planning stage, with operational dates to be confirmed. Mayo has benefited from significant investment, with seven centres operational and work on Ballyhaunis due to commence in the second quarter of this year. I am happy to state that Bangor Erris has been identified as a suitable location for the development of a primary care facility in the future and that there will be due consideration of the business case developed.