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

On behalf of the Minister I would like to again thank the Senator for raising this matter and creating the opportunity to update the House. The Minister recognises the frustration of the people of Ballaghaderreen who are waiting for the development of this new primary care centre. As noted, the HSE is engaging with developers to seek clarification regarding the viability of the undertaking. The HSE has also asked for a timeframe for the delivery of the project. Should the preferred provider be unable to proceed the HSE has reassured the Minister that it will be exploring all options to deliver a new primary care centre in this area. This is a problem that has arisen in a number of places across the country now, it is not just Ballaghaderreen. As noted in my opening statement, there has been significant positive progress in developing primary care centres nationally. There are now 174 primary care centres operational throughout the country and another ten currently under construction. The Minister wishes to assure the Senator that both he and the other officials in the Department of Health are actively engaging with the HSE in order to ensure the continued development of primary care centres throughout the country, including in Ballaghaderreen.