Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding disability services north east and disability services south west, both co-funded by the Health Service Executive and FÁS; if it is the case that disability services in these areas are being put out to tender; the reason for same; the consultation that has taken place with service providers across both areas or with REHAB nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55123/12]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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The Deputy may be referring to training programmes for people with disabilities. The Health Service Executive (HSE) funds Rehabilitative (lifeskills) training, while Vocational Training programmes are funded by FÁS. Rehabilitative training is provided through a number of specialist disability service providers, including the National Learning Network, which is a member of the Rehab Group. The HSE in the north east and south west have no immediate plans to put Rehabilitative Training programmes out to tender, however a commitment to introduce a standardised framework to commission services from both public and non-public providers is contained in Future Health: A Strategic Framework for Reform of the Health Service 2012 - 2015 and is also recommended in the Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services in Ireland (2012). If the Deputy has a more specific query in mind I will arrange to have a response issued to him on receipt of the relevant details.