James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 90: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of primary care centres planned under the primary care strategy; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45710/10]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
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The HSE has developed a generic model Primary Care Centre brief to accommodate Primary Care Teams. Approximately 270 possible locations for such centres were identified by the HSE. These were advertised in two stages in late 2007 and mid 2008. The HSE has summarised the progress to date as follows: - Approximately 220 new primary care centres are currently under consideration. - In 210 locations, the HSE Board has agreed to proceed with negotiations with interested parties. - 107 centres are currently in contractual negotiations which will accommodate 137 teams. - 12 centres procured by lease agreement are complete and in operation. - A further 6 centres are expected to open by the end of 2010. - The HSE expects at least 115 primary care centres to be operational by 2013, supporting 160 teams.

The HSE has indicated that all these figures are approximate and that projections will change every quarter due to negotiations being progressed or finalised, projects not progressing due to various issues, including planning, banking and market issues. The HSE is continuing to develop a number of Primary Care Centres funded through its Capital Allocation. A number of these centres are at advanced stages of development.