The latest revelations surrounding the transfer of €1.5 million in public funds linked to autism services should concern every family in Ireland. According to reports in Irish Independent, money provided through the Health Service Executive may have been transferred to a UK-based parent structure — raising serious questions about oversight, accountability and priorities.
At a time when thousands of children are waiting for autism assessments, therapies and vital supports, this situation strikes at the heart of public trust. Families across Ireland continue to struggle daily — navigating long waiting lists, limited access to services and a system that is already under immense pressure. Every euro allocated to disability services should be working on the ground here in Ireland, directly supporting those who need it most.
While the organisation involved maintains that these financial arrangements were known and understood, the HSE has indicated otherwise. This contradiction cannot simply be brushed aside. It demands full transparency and immediate clarification. Public funding must be subject to the highest standards of governance, particularly when it is intended for some of the most vulnerable members of our society.
For the Don’t Leave Them Behind campaign, this issue highlights a broader and deeply troubling pattern — a system where families feel left behind, unheard and unsupported. It is not enough to promise reform. Action is required now.
We are calling for a full and independent review of all funding flows within disability services, clear accountability where failures are identified, and an absolute guarantee that public money remains focused on delivering frontline supports in Ireland.