John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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633. To ask the Minister for Health if he will outline the process regarding the provision of new primary care centres; and if Dungarvan, County Waterford will be designated as one of the first ten centres to be put out to tender. [2842/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Progress is being made in the delivery of primary care centres. Primary care infrastructure is being delivered using three mechanisms which are - public private partnership - operational lease and - direct build.

With regard to the PPP process, the current position is that the HSE is engaging with the NDFA to progress the programme. The Executive 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. Also it has commenced the procurement of design teams and technical advisors to progress the designs and planning submissions and the preparation of the PPP procurement documents. Up to 20 of the 35 locations announced will be offered to the market subject to a) agreement between the local GPs and the HSE on active local GP involvement in the centres and b) site suitability and availability.

Using the operational lease mechanism the HSE has delivered primary care infrastructure at 30 locations and is continuing its collaboration with the private sector to progress suitable locations. The Capital Plan 2012-2016 - year 2012 has been approved and contains provision for the delivery of eight primary care centres. Work is underway on the Executive's multi-annual Capital Plan 2013-2017. My Department is reviewing the proposals and following up with the HSE where further details may be required. The draft Capital Plan 2013-2017 will require my approval with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.