Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 May 2023
848. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if he will agree to meet urgently with representatives of an organisation (details supplied) in an effort to agree to funding for a new rate on the Homecare Tender 2023 that reflects increased costs of care and that allows them to offer homecare staff a living wage, travel time and mileage costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24858/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe existing tender for home support services was extended by the HSE at the end of 2022, initially to the end of April 2023. The HSE has proposed a further extension of the contract arrangements to Friday 30th of June, to allow time to finalise tender arrangements. This is a priority area and the process of developing the new tender is at an advanced stage. Officials in the Department of Health are engaging at a senior level with the HSE and the HSE has ongoing engagements with home care providers to progress the new tender.
A strict communication protocol applies in all phases of the procurement process, therefore a meeting with a particular organisation on Tender 2023 cannot be facilitated at this time.
