St John of God funding crisis
Deputy Ward warns that St John of God Community Services has issued a termination notice because of financial difficulties, threatening thousands of service users and staff. The Minister acknowledges the seriousness of the issue and offers to provide background information.
In recent weeks, St. John of God Community Services wrote to the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste and the Minister for Health about its current financial difficulties. Yesterday, its board had no alternative but to inform the HSE of a 12-month notice of termination of its contract. How has this been allowed to happen? What protection has the Government got in place for the 8,000 children and adults who rely on St. John of God Community Services, as well as its 2,500 staff members?
Comment on this
I agree with the Deputy that St. John of God Community Services does vital work and provided a significant service to a large number of people over the years. It has given 12 months' notice. It is a serious issue and I am happy to provide a note to the Deputy with background information.
St. John of God Community Services, part of the St. John of God Hospitaller Services Group, provides a range of invaluable services and supports to more than 2,400 children and adults with intellectual disabilities and 5,000 children and adults with a mental illness in Dublin and other areas of the country.
The HSE allocated €162.7 million to support these services this year. This comprises €134.2 million for disability services and €28.6 million for mental health services. The HSE has also provided it with access to €12 million in cash acceleration above its core budget this year to ensure continuity and service provision. I will provide the Deputy with full details.