Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for her advocacy on behalf of the SOSAD suicide prevention group. I do not want to see this service close. I cannot be clearer than that. I understand how uncertainty around services can be very distressing for service users and their families. SOSAD is providing vital supports to many.

I reiterate the point that I do not negotiate with individual organisations myself. It is the HSE that is provided with the budget and it actions that budget to provide support and services all over the country. In order for that to happen, grant aid agreements with any organisation must be compliant with relevant governance codes and aligned to transparent financial arrangements such as audited accounts. To this end, relevant due diligence must be carried out.

Specifically, HSE Louth Meath Mental Health Services has requested information on corporate and clinical governance in line with HSE policies and has provided guidance on the work that SOSAD will need to undertake to comply with the policies ahead of consideration of HSE funding of SOSAD.  This will take time.  I recognise the frustration and challenges of SOSAD; however, these steps are essential and the HSE is not in a position to provide funding in the absence of assurances on corporate and clinical governance.

  I have explored every single avenue I can to get some interim funding for the organisation, but the HSE keeps telling me it is not in a position to provide funding in the absence of the assurances on corporate and clinical governance.  The HSE remains available to SOSAD should any further guidance on the necessary work be needed.  I have engaged with my officials weekly since Christmas on SOSAD.  It is top of the agenda.  I want to see SOSAD continue doing its good work.  I will keep a really close eye on this.

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