1029. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the rationale for funding cuts to the issue of foetal alcohol syndrome this year; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40044/26]

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality: FASD Ireland are a not-for-profit social enterprise and had been in receipt of funding from HSE Mid West, but this was not continued for 2026. 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 make a new application to the Mid-West for 2026 funding.

The HSE received and reviewed a proposal and agreed in principle to fund the proposal in part. The commitment in principle was to fund an FASD Hub Ireland helpline service until year end.

The remaining elements were not agreed for funding mainly due to the facts that:

• A proposed training programme for HSE staff would divert 250 clinical days from direct services.

• There is limited detail provided in the business case regarding the specific content of the proposed training, the learning objectives, or the expected and measurable outcomes.

Following a meeting with Minister Higgins, the HSE, FASD Ireland and Department officials, FASD Ireland were advised to submit a new business case and re-engage with the HSE to explore further opportunities.

Following a number of engagements with FASD Ireland, including discussions with the organisation’s CEO and representatives, the HSE has decided not to progress the business case or enter into a service arrangement in 2026.

A number of risks were identified in relation to service delivery, including the lack of a clearly articulated, clinically governed pathway to support the safe and sustainable implementation of the proposed service. These issues were discussed in detail with FASD Ireland; however, they remain unresolved.

As part of its consideration of this matter, the HSE engaged with colleagues in the Office of the Chief Clinical Officer.

The HSE issued their final decision on the 14 May. A final payment for services to date and a goodwill payment will issue to FASD Ireland.

The HSE remains committed to ensuring that any services developed are safe, clinically appropriate, and sustainable for those who require support.

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