Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I reiterate that we have seen a huge expansion of primary care services and centres over the past ten years. We have 165, with 14 under construction, 12 of which are scheduled to be delivered in 2023. Unfortunately, however, the one in Drimnagh is not included in that. There is one close to my heart in Waterford that I am trying to push as well but the precedent is there. Every year, like the HSE-run community nursing units, which we announced seven of in December, the roll-out will continue because there is a strategic plan in place to deliver these.

I know it is frustrating when there are no clear guidelines but, at the same time, the Drimnagh primary care centre is on the capital plan and funding was provided in 2022. We have not seen the capital plan for 2023 yet but the most important thing I always find is that a project is in the capital plan. This project is in appendix 2 and it will move up to appendix 1. We are frustrated in the Department at the time it takes for any capital investment building and a lot of time is lost in the preliminary years. I know a lot of scoping has to be done at design and planning stages but I do not see why both stages cannot run in parallel with each other. I am frustrated by that in the areas of mental health and older people and it is something the Minister has put a focus on.