Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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Question 385: To ask the Minister for Health and Children his views on the Health Service Executive's decision to put home-help services out to tender, the way he will ensure that the quality of care for patients and working conditions for home help providers is not reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10487/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Government policy is to enable older people to remain at home and in their communities, which is where they want to be. This is underpinned by significant investment to support older people to live at home for as long as possible through a range of community services, including home help. In some cases, where the service is approved and funded by the HSE, this may be undertaken through partnership arrangements with non-statutory providers to maximise service delivery.

The Department of Health and Children accepts the need for a more standardised approach to the delivery of home care overall, whether by statutory or non-statutory providers. During 2010, the HSE and the Department progressed various improvements to home care provision, particularly relating to the standardisation and governance of services. The on-going procurement initiative for HSE home care recipients is fundamental to effecting improvement overall. This process does not reflect a policy of privatisation but, rather, a more standardised approach to the procurement of services nationally. It is designed, primarily, to enhance client safety and quality, and compliment the long standing partnership model of the HSE. It should be noted that approximately 75% of all home help services are provided directly by HSE staff, and these services will not be affected by the current procurement process.

The process has been carried out in accordance with relevant EU Guidelines. All tenderers must comply with quality standards set by the Executive. Successful tenderers will be monitored by the HSE to ensure services supplied are in line with the contract and quality measures set, including Garda Vetting, qualifications or other requirements pertaining to those caring for vulnerable older people on behalf of the Executive. The Department of Health and Children will continue to liaise closely with the HSE in relation to the issues raised by the Deputy, while progressing all other initiatives relevant to developing community based services for older people.