Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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685. To ask the Minister for Health the timeframe for the publication of Tender 2023 which will set out how the homecare sector will operate over the next several years; the reason the publication of Tender 2023 has been delayed on a number of occasions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22950/23]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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686. To ask the Minister for Health if he will agree to meet with an organisation (details supplied) to agree funding for a new rate on Tender 2023 that reflects the increased costs of care and that allows homecare providers to offer their homecare staff a living wage, travel time and mileage costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22951/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The 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 30^thof 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.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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687. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an outline of the current situation regarding tender for new home care (Tender 2023); the reason there have been three extensions of the existing tender since 2018, including most recently in April last; if he will meet with an organisation (details supplied) on this matter; and if he will take immediate steps to conclude Tender 2023 at the earliest possible date. [22962/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Tender 2023 is a priority area and the process of developing the new tender is at an advanced stage. My officials are engaging at a senior level with the HSE and the HSE has ongoing engagements with home care providers to progress the new tender. As a strict communication protocol applies in all phases of the procurement process a meeting with a particular organisation on Tender 2023 cannot be facilitated at this time.

I have asked the HSE to reply further to the Deputy on Tender 2023.

Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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688. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the progression of the new home care tender (details supplied); if he will outline an expected timeline for same; if he will ensure that it reaches a timely conclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22965/23]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.