Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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193. To ask the Minister for Health if she will provide appropriate funding to a charity (details supplied), which provides essential mental health services in communities and requires funds to continue operations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10006/25]

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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I recognise the important contribution SOSAD make to counselling service in north-east Leinster. SOSAD’s financial situation was brought to my attention last Autumn, and I arranged to meet them along with my officials from the Department of Health in November 2024.

Funding to organisations such as SOSAD is arranged through the section 39 process via local HSE Mental Health Services, and following the meeting I requested that HSE Louth/Meath make contact with SOSAD to outline the steps to be taken for any potential funding application.

HSE Louth/Meath have been in direct contact with SOSAD for approximately 2 months now and I receive regular updates on their engagements. As per any negotiations between HSE and any charity or organisation, information such as audited accounts, annual reports, clinical and corporate governance arrangements, and board of management details are required, so that HSE can undertake due diligence as part of consideration of any potential funding arrangements. The HSE met with SOSAD in January to provide guidance on the specific information required and I understand that SOSAD are now working to provide all of this relevant information to the HSE.