Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I again thank the Senator for raising this matter I understand the importance of the development of such facilities to local people in communities such as Slieveardagh. As I have said, the development of primary care centres is an important part of the Sláintecare vision. These facilities provide a single point of access to health services and offer a means of supporting people to live independently in their own communities for as long as possible. That is what I aspire to every day - the right care in the right place at the right time, including the correct wrap-around supports for older people so they do not have to go to an acute hospital for support or that their entry into a nursing home may be delayed because they can get the appropriate supports at home.

Good progress continues to be made in the development and roll-out of primary care centres across the country. Some 142 are now operational, with 14 of them opening last year, despite the challenges posed by Covid. A further 15 are at different stages of the construction or equipping process and are expected to open in 2021, with a pipeline of projects to follow in later years. As he said, the Senator is aware that Tipperary has benefited from investment with four primary care centres in Tipperary Town, Carrick-on-Suir, Cashel and Cahir. We can all agree that these facilities have a key role to play. I reiterate that relevant documentation to developers will be issued before the end of May. I thank the Senator for his interest in the matter.