Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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269. To ask the Minister for Health the extent to which his Department’s primary care building programme has progressed; the number of such centres already completed and in operation; the number proposed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40304/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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Considerable progress is being made in the delivery of primary care centres. 32 Primary Care Centres have opened since May 2011.

The delivery of primary care infrastructure is a dynamic process and must take account of changing circumstances including the feasibility of implementing the delivery of the centres by means of lease, direct- build or PPP. GP engagement and agreement to deliver services from primary care centres is central to the delivery of the necessary infrastructure. 35 potential locations for primary care centres for development by way of PPP were announced in the July 2012 Infrastructure Stimulus Package. The HSE is currently finalising sites and assessing GP engagement at each location to determine their interest in participating in the primary care centre development. While it is not possible, at this time, to give start and completion dates for any of the individual 20 potential locations, the best estimate is that these primary care centres will be completed by late 2016.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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270. To ask the Minister for Health the full extent of the plans for primary care provision throughout County Kildare; the number of such primary care centres planned or already in existence; the extent to which patients in rural areas will have ready access to such centres where public transport does not exist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40305/13]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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271. To ask the Minister for Health his plans for the replacement of a health centre (details supplied) in County Kildare which has been of significant convenience to the local population in a rural area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40306/13]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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272. To ask the Minister for Health his plans, to upgrade the health centre at Johnstownbridge, Enfield, County Kildare which caters for a large catchment area and is extremely overcrowded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40307/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 270 to 272, inclusive, together.

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