Written answers

Tuesday, 23 October 2012

Department of Health

Primary Care Centres

Photo of Pearse DohertyPearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Health if he took the decision to move the proposed primary care centre in Rowlagh, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, from the stated funded list to the public private partnership list; if so, the date in which this decision was taken; if the decision will have any impact on the timescale for the delivery of the project; the current date for commencement and completion of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45739/12]

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The consideration of projects for inclusion in the multi-annual capital programme is an evolving process. There are always more construction projects than can be funded from the Exchequer's capital health care allocation. The Health Service Executive is required to prioritise infrastructure projects within its overall capital envelope taking into account the existing capital commitments and costs of completion over the period.

Rowlagh/North Clondalkin was never included in a Capital Plan and was not, indeed, included on the HSE's proposed 2012 Capital Plan submitted to the Department. Approval has recently issued for the 2012 Plan and details will be posted on the HSE’s website as soon as is practicable. In asserting that the HSE had planned to provide for PCC in Rowlagh/North Clondalkin, in its capital programme, you may be referring to lists reported in the media. It is important to state that these lists related to work that was ongoing; that they were work in progress. The prioritisation exercise is a dynamic process, constantly evolving to take account of changing circumstances, including the feasibility of implementation.

The delivery method for potential PCC in Rowlagh/North Clondalkin, changed in the lists reported in the media and published by the Department as part of the Government’s Infrastructure Stimulus Package. This change was on the advice of the Head of Estates in the HSE as PPP was considered to be the method by which progress in this development could potentially commence quickest.

The method and time scale for the delivery of PCCs is dependent on a number of factors and the list will continue to be reviewed and revised as necessary. It is envisaged that approximately 20 of the 35 potential locations published as part of the Government's Infrastructure Stimulus Package will be progressed by way of PPP. The current position is that the HSE is engaging with the NDFA as required to progress the Primary Care Centre Public Private Partnership Programme. The HSE is currently analysing the available sites in each location and engaging with the GPs in each location to determine their interest in participating in the primary care centre development. It is not possible, at this time, to give start and completion dates for any of the 20 potential locations.

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