Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Senator Horkan and I have not been in the Seanad at the same time since his re-election. I congratulate him on re-entering the Seanad. It is fantastic to see him in the Chair. Well done.I thank Senator Seery Kearney very much for raising this issue and giving me the opportunity to outline to the House the position on the plans for the development of the primary care centre in Drimnagh, which is most important for the people living in the area.

The development of primary care is central to the Government's objective of delivering a high quality, integrated and cost-effective healthcare system. The primary care centre programme not only continues to be a key anchor in the longer term reform of the health sector, but also aligns with the objectives of Project Ireland 2040. Primary care centres have a key role to play in delivering the vision for a reformed health service set out in Sláintecare, by facilitating the shift from acute care to primary care and supporting the provision of a range of multidisciplinary services in local communities. In this regard, it is important to note that primary care centres provide accommodation for services beyond those commonly identified as primary care, including: community mental health services; disability services, as the Senator indicated; environmental health services; accommodation for Tusla; ambulance rapid deployment points; and civil registration.

There are clear benefits in bringing healthcare professionals together to operate as a multidisciplinary team, out of a purpose-designed, well-equipped and high-quality modern facility. They can act as a single point of access for the community to healthcare services and resources, while also becoming a focal point for local health initiatives. A total of 14 primary care centres have been delivered by public private partnership. Where appropriate accommodation is not available, new primary care centres are being procured through lease agreements and through Exchequer capital funding. The majority of primary care centres will continue to be developed by means of operational leases.

Regarding the Senator's specific question, the Drimnagh primary care centre will be located on the existing site at Curlew Road. Funding has been allocated to progress the appointment of a design team, and the tender process for the services of a design team has commenced. Services to be provided include older persons day-care services alongside public health and community nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, dietetics, and counselling. These services will be integrated with the proposed on-site GP service and will provide an integrated service to the public under one roof.

At present, in order to meet the primary care needs of the local area it is the intention of the HSE to use the new Armagh Road, Crumlin primary care centre and the Rialto primary care centre, both of which are operational. In addition, the Old County Road health centre and the Limekiln health centre will be retained as satellite units. To reiterate, funding has been allocated to progress the appointment of a design team, and the tender process for the services of a design team has commenced.