Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he has initiated any discussions with the National Asset Management Agency regarding the use of their buildings for primary care centres or the Minister for Justice regarding the use of unused Garda stations as primary care centres; the outcomes of those discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37115/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The development of primary care is central to this Government's objective to deliver a high quality, integrated and cost effective health system. The Programme for Government states that primary care will be an immediate priority area. The development of primary care centres, through a combination of public and private investment, will facilitate the delivery of multi-disciplinary primary care and represents a tangible re-focussing of the health service to deliver care in the most appropriate and lowest cost setting.

Within the context of its commercial remit, NAMA advises that it is at all times open to proposals which can contribute to the achievement of broader social and economic objectives and has committed to giving first option to public bodies on the purchase of property which may be suitable for their purposes.  The development of the primary care centre network is currently under review. Its delivery must be informed by needs analysis, with priority given to areas of urban and rural deprivation. Therefore it is important to recognise that not all NAMA controlled buildings and sites are appropriately located or suitable. The outcome of this review requires my approval with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

Both Minister Shortall and I have had meetings with NAMA with a view to building on potential synergies between NAMA controlled land and property and the requirements of the health sector, not just in the area of primary care, but in other areas also. The Health Service Executive and NAMA also engage constructively in this regard. Minister Shortall has had informal discussions with the OPW regarding unused Garda stations and other buildings. The Health Service Executive has also explored the possibility of making use of vacated Garda stations as Primary Care Centres. To date none have been deemed suitable by the Executive.