Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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705. To ask the Minister for Health if he will examine the implications of the implied closure of numerous local health centres throughout the country and the possible implications for the delivery of locally-based convenient services to the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23021/13]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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706. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the role played by local health centres throughout County Kildare in the delivery of high-quality community based and conveniently located services; if he will re-examine any proposals for the downgrading and or closure of such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23022/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 705 and 706 together.

The Government is committed to moving the focus of health care from secondary care to primary care, key aspects of which include the continued development of Primary Care Teams and Primary Care Centres.

The HSE has responsibility for the provision of Primary Care Centres and the operation and maintenance of existing health centres. Therefore, this matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.