Alan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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87. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the construction programme for primary care centres through the National Development Plan 2018-2027, with specific reference to the Fingal area of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16707/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I recently officially opened one of the largest primary care centres in the country at Coolock on the northside of Dublin.

In line with health strategy a decisive shift towards primary care is required to meet growing demands for health and social care services.

The construction programme for primary care centres will continue throughout the National Development Plan 2018 – 2027. The National Development Plan will support the completion of projects currently in construction and planning, and will meet the future health needs of the population. This primary care centre programme will also include provision of diagnostic facilities in the community.

The HSE will continue to pursue the delivery of primary care centres in line with national requirements of appraisal, design, planning, tender and construction.

The Health Service Executive has been successful in developing a network of primary care centres across the country. 114 primary care centres are now operational. 6 have opened so far this year. Another primary care centre became partially operational this month and a further 13 are scheduled to open in 2018.