Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 October 2025
863. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health of the €1.56 billion allocation for capital expenditure for 2026, the amount apportioned to the development of primary care centres (PCCs); to list the PCCs to be developed under this allocation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [57372/25]
View answerThe purpose of health infrastructure is to enable service delivery. Capital investment decisions must be driven by evidence-based service needs (and on the basis that existing assets are fully utilised) and link back to overall service policy and strategy. The objective must be to ensure that new capital developments are aligned with service needs, to enable the delivery of Sláintecare/Universal Healthcare and deliver optimum value for money.
The overarching vision and long-term policy direction for Ireland’s healthcare system is set out in the Programme for Government. The new NDP funding envelope will support the progression of key health sector priorities including continued investment in community care programmes through the country including the Primary Care Programme and Enhanced Community Care Programme. There are 180 PCCs now in operation with 28 of these are HSE Own Build and the remainder are delivered through the operational lease model, sale and lease back or through PPP arrangements.
I and my Department will be working with the HSE and other stakeholders in the coming period to develop a detailed capital plan for this allocated capital funding. The HSE have a pipeline of PCCs in development including through agreements under discussion with the private sector. The 2026 capital allocation for the development of Primary Care Centres will be determined as part of the overall HSE Capital Plan 2026 that is being developed by the HSE to support the National Service Plan and that I expect to receive in the coming period.
