Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senator. I understand the need involved. Even on the basis of the most recent census, we can see the way the population is growing. It is important that we have the services in place. Unfortunately, from time to time, there can be delays within the development of primary care centres. There were a variety of circumstances in this instance, including the withdrawal of the developer. That sometimes happens. The HSE can confirm that the readvertisement of the Kanturk primary care centre is expected to progress in the next few weeks.

When the project relating to Kanturk primary care centre is readvertised under the open competition – namely, where one must advertise and go through the normal process – the HSE will again evaluate submissions under the set criteria. As always, any selected proposal will be subject to the normal HSE approval process. All aspects will have to be examined, as the Senator is aware. The Minister wishes to assure the Senator that she, her officials and the Department will continue to engage with the HSE to progress both the completion of this new primary care centre and the further development of such centres throughout the country.

Given what the Senator said about engaging, perhaps she could talk to the Department and the HSE to see if something can happen in the meantime in order that some sort of solution might be arrived at. I will communicate what she said t the Minister and her Department. I am sure someone will come back to the Senator on the matter. I thank her so much for raising this matter.