I propose to take Questions Nos. 653 and 658 to 661, inclusive, together.
Delivery of the health capital infrastructure stimulus is a service matter and the question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
The following information was provided under Standing Order 40A
Rowlagh/North Clondalkin was never included in a Capital Plan and was not, indeed, included on the 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.
It is understood that the Deputy, in asserting that a PCC was to be delivered in Rowlagh by way of the HSE's capital programme 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 was a dynamic process, constantly evolving to take account of changing circumstances, including the feasibility of implementation.
An assessment/evaluation of each proposed primary care centre location was undertaken with the infrastructural requirement evaluated under three headings: 1) accommodation assessment; 2) service priority; and 3) deprivation index. The selection of a delivery mechanism was not, however, solely dependent on the resultant priority or ranking. The delivery mechanism selected for each location was based on suitability and the availability of funding (insofar as it is known at any point in time). The following considerations were taken into account:
- agreements for lease in place - where there were good prospects of the leased centre being delivered - these locations remained as lease strategy;
- The size of the centre - the larger centres are more attractive to PPP bidders;
- Extensions to existing facilities or refurbishment of existing buildings are not suitable projects for PPP.
The delivery method for a 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. However, as mentioned above, the method and timescale for delivery of PCCs is dependent on a number of factors and the list will continue to be reviewed and revised as necessary.