2514. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will commit to engage with an organisation (details supplied) on their funding request for 2026 given they did not receive what was sought in 2024 and 2025 to meet the needs of their services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25640/26]

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality: The Department of Children, Disability and Equality is responsible for the provision of supports to children with complex health needs associated with a disability.

A Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT) provides specialised support and services for children who have a disability and complex health needs associated with their disability including those affected by FASD.

The Department of Health is primarily responsible for education and awareness regarding FASD prevention and will also have responsibility where the child is being supported through Primary Care or CAMHS.

FASD Ireland received €200,000 HSE Grant Aid funding in 2024 and 2025, on the 16th of December 2025 the HSE CEO at the time, Bernard Gloster, wrote to FASD Ireland stating that the funding for 2024 and 2025 was limited non-recurring and it will be necessary for FASD to submit a new application for funding in 2026.

An application was received by the HSE in January 2026 and the HSE met with FASD Ireland to discuss this proposal on 26th March 2026. The HSE stated they are awaiting an updated proposal plan from FASD Ireland, as discussed in the meeting.

On April 8th 2026 Minister Higgins and a representative from An Tánaiste's office met with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Ireland CEO. FASD Ireland agreed to submit a updated plan. This was received on 9th April and was forwarded to the HSE for review.