Chair of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Sinn Féin TD John Brady, has described allegations of misuse of public funds by an autism charity as ‘deeply concerning’.
His comments follow confirmation from the Health Service Executive (HSE), in response to PAC queries, that it has initiated a review into Autism Initiatives Ireland, which recently rebranded as Autism, a chara, regarding the charity’s governance after claims it transferred funds to its British counterpart.
Teachta Brady said:
“Confirmation that the HSE has now launched a review underlines the seriousness of these allegations.
“It is incredible that such transfers could have taken place without approval or appropriate oversight.
“At a time when supports for those with autism are already stretched to breaking point, the possibility that HSE funding intended for services in the State may have been transferred to another jurisdiction is absolutely shocking.
“This will be yet another cruel blow to those who have to fight the system every day to get the most basic support that they are entitled to.
“It is also deeply concerning that governance and compliance issues were flagged internally within the HSE as far back as 2022.
“This raises serious questions about what action has been taken since.
“The review must be completed as a matter of urgency, and the Minister must provide full clarity on what has occurred.
“It is also essential that we establish whether similar arrangements exist in any other organisations, and what oversight mechanisms the HSE have in place.”
ENDS