Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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125. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the current private sector tendering process in the residential disability sector; his plans to extend more open commissioning to the charitable sectors 38 and 39 providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32232/16]

Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has been working with other relevant Departments, including the Department of Health, to develop a framework for commissioning of human, social and community services across the public sector. In parallel to this process, the Department of Health has been undertaking work on the development of a healthcare commissioning model that links resources to the assessed needs of patients and service users, and ensures clear accountability throughout the system. Research into various commissioning models and frameworks is ongoing but to date, has included engagement with international experts in this field in order to learn from the experiences of other countries that have implemented commissioning systems. The conclusions drawn from this research are being used to inform the development of a commissioning model that will be appropriate and beneficial within the Irish context. While this process is underway, the HSE is putting in place the foundations necessary to underpin the provision of cost effective, accountable and transparent services.

As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.