1654. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the rationale behind the funding cuts to FASD Ireland; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43307/26]

Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality: Thank you for your recent correspondence in relation to FASD Ireland. The below outlines the position.

In Ireland, supports for children are based on complexity of presenting need rather than any specific diagnosis. Therefore, responsibility will vary depending on the supports and services required to meet those needs.

Similarly, there are a variety of factors impacting the policy around and response to FASD across different Departments. This is particularly the case as FASD occupies a spectrum of need, bringing to bear different service responses to need as well as preventative measures.

Regarding funding, while the Department sets the strategy, policy direction and overall allocation for the disability sector, funding allocations to individual service providers is an operational matter for the HSE as the funding authority.

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 would be necessary for FASD to make a new application to the Mid-West for 2026 funding.

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.

The HSE work on FASD will remain ongoing through their Alcohol and Mental Health and Well-being Programme in conjunction with the Chief Clinical Office and HSE communication functions.

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

I trust that this information if of some assistance to you.

Dáil Éireann Debate. Question 1655 – Departmental policies [FASD] [43309/26]

https://www.oireachtas.ie/en/debates/question/2026-06-09/1655/#pq_1655

1655. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to outline the actions her Department is undertaking to support those who suffer from foetal alcohol spectrum disorder; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43309/26]

Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality: Departmental responsibility for supports with regard to those who suffer from foetal alcohol spectrum disorder will vary depending on the supports and services required to meet individual needs.

It is important to recognise that supports for children provided through the HSE are based on complexity of presenting need rather than any specific diagnosis.

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 CDNTs operate under the model of presenting need including those needs that may arise from issues relating to  Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

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.

The HSE work on FASD remains ongoing through their Alcohol and Mental Health and Well-being Programme in conjunction with the Chief Clinical Office and HSE communication functions.

I trust that this information if of some assistance to you.