I propose to take Questions Nos. 210 to 212, inclusive, together.
Recent years have been very challenging for the health services. Facing difficult choices, the Government has set as its priority the aim of maintaining services to the greatest extent possible within the resources available. In line with the Programmme for Government, the Department is working closely with the Health Services Executive on reforming the way health services are funded and delivered to achieve greater productivity and more cost-effective services.
In relation to Home Support Services, I would like to reassure the Deputy that the HSE has committed in its National Service Plan 2013 to maintaining the home help and home care package services at levels planned for in 2012.
The Procurement Process for the Home Care Package Scheme referred to by the Deputy and introduced in 2012 established minimum standard levels with which successful tenderers must comply. The HSE is currently considering its approach to the next home care procurement process and the timing for same. In this regard, it has established a forum to consult with representatives of service providers.
Future tenders for home care will focus on improving standards across the home care sector, providing quality care for vulnerable clients, taking account of existing contracts, and obtaining value for the resources available for the service.