Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the three Deputies for raising what is an important issue. I share their view that Console, like all charities, relies on the goodwill and generosity of the public. A trust has been broken, and when the issue is suicide and a vulnerable part of our society, it is especially upsetting.

Console is one of the charities funded in part through the HSE's National Office for Suicide Prevention, to provide counselling, therapy and support services to people who have been bereaved by suicide. The services provided by the agency are of a high standard and have been of benefit to many individuals. I do not think we would question the service that is being provided.

The HSE audit into Console was initiated in April 2015 by the National Office for Suicide Prevention following an examination of the 2013 returns from Console to the HSE, which were received in late 2014. The HSE has confirmed that concerns arose in a number of areas, including the corporate governance and financial management of the agency. In 2009 the HSE raised concerns over Console, resulting in certain control actions being taken by the National Office for Suicide Prevention at that time. The HSE also put in place a revised governance framework in 2014 for all organisations funded by it.

The internal audit process into Console is continuing and the HSE is considering the most appropriate line of action following the recent response of the agency to the audit findings. All communications with Console continue to be conducted by the HSE according to proper audit processes and having regard to appropriate legal procedures.

The Charities Regulatory Authority and the UK Charity Commission are both engaging with Console arising from the findings of the HSE audit. The Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement and the Garda Síochána are also engaged with the agency as a result of these findings. Finally, two independent experts have been appointed by Console arising from the findings of the audit conveyed to the agency.

As the Deputies have pointed out, the need to maintain public confidence in the charity sector is extremely important, particularly in view of the excellent work of benefit to vulnerable people in our society that is carried out in that sector.

I fully support the involvement of the Charities Regulatory Authority in this matter. As Deputies will be aware, the Garda Síochána is also involved in this sensitive matter as a result of the audit findings.

While this is a serious matter that needs to be comprehensively investigated, it is of equal importance that the valuable services offered by Console are not adversely affected. These services continue to be available, including the freefone 24-7 helpline. The HSE has informed my Department that it has not uncovered any issues with the standard of the Console services funded by the executive. It is important for everyone to know that when people have gone to Console, they have received the best help possible.

However, the issues uncovered by the audit are extremely serious and require detailed consideration to ensure that services are delivered in future under the most appropriate governance and financial frameworks. The HSE is in contact with the two independent experts appointed by Console, and the executive is also considering alternative arrangements for services provided by the agency, if this is deemed necessary. Consideration by the HSE of alternative service options has been under way in parallel with the audit process. It is important to allow the due process to take place. The HSE has assured me that all due process regarding the audit and legal proceedings is being followed. It is critical that confidence is maintained throughout the charities sector.

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