Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 220: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of primary care teams the HSE plans to establish on the north side of Dublin city and what these primary care teams are; the number of these teams that will require capital expenditure for their establishment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4742/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Primary Care Strategy aims to develop services in the community to give people direct access to integrated multi-disciplinary teams of general practitioners, nurses, home helps, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and others. It has been estimated that up to 95% of people's health and social services needs can be properly met within a primary care setting. The establishment of new Primary Care Teams can contribute greatly to enhancing community based health services. The HSE received additional funding of €40 million over the period 2006 to 2008 for the establishment of 200 primary care teams, involving 600 front-line professionals. The Government has committed under the Towards 2016 agreement to the establishment of 300 Primary Care Teams by 2008; 400 by 2009; and 500 by 2011. A review of these targets is due to be undertaken in 2008.

The provision of the appropriate infrastructure to facilitate the delivery of primary care services is being considered by the HSE with regard to certain factors, including the type and configuration of the services involved, the mixed public and private nature of our health system, the suitability of existing infrastructure and the capital requirements of the health services over the coming years. The HSE recently sought expressions of interest from the private sector for the provision of the Primary Care Team infrastructure. It is proposing to enter into fixed-term leases with such providers. As the HSE has the operational and funding responsibility for Primary Care services, it is the appropriate body to consider the particular matters raised by the Deputy. My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to arrange to have these matters investigated and to have a reply issued directly to the Deputy.