Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On behalf of the Minister, Deputy Donnelly, I would like to thank Senator Murphy for raising this matter and for the opportunity to update the House.

A central objective of the programme for Government is to deliver increased levels of integrated healthcare with service delivery reoriented towards general practice, primary care and community-based services to enable a “home first" approach. Integral to this, is the development of primary care centres across the country in our local communities. Primary care centres provide important primary care infrastructure, providing a single point of access to services for the individual. They also serve as a resource more broadly for the community, creating a focal point for local health initiatives or providing community groups with a place to meet. It is for this reason that the development of primary care centres is an important part of Sláintecare. Significant progress has been made in the delivery of these primary care centres, with 174 opened to date and a further ten in construction. These primary care centres offer a tangible example of the investment this Government is making in community-based health infrastructure.

The operational lease model is often the preferred model for developing primary care centres as it has the potential to offer better value for money and enable streamlined delivery of projects.Under the model the HSE enters into fixed-term leases with developers. The HSE identifies the locations requiring primary care centres and invites interested parties to express their interest in providing suitable accommodation by way of public notice in local and or national press. The primary care centre in Ballaghaderreenis being delivered by way of this operational lease model. As such, the HSE had identified a preferred provider for the centre and discussions were progressing regarding lease agreements. Unfortunately, the preferred provider of the new primary care centre in Ballaghaderreenhas indicated a potential issue regarding the viability of the project. Subsequently, engagement has taken place between the HSE and the preferred provider to seek clarification regarding the viability and timeframe for the delivery of this project. However, should the preferred provider be unable to proceed, the HSE has reassured the Minister, Deputy Donnelly that it will be clarifying all options to deliver a primary care centre in the area. In this regard the Minister wishes to reassure the Senator that this Government remains committed to the provision of the primary care centre in Ballaghaderreenand remains committed to the continued development of primary care centres throughout the country.