The HSE confirmed yesterday it is reviewing Autism Initiatives Ireland (AII), now trading as Autism a Chara, which it funds annually to provide autism support services, including residential care for adults.
A HSE spokesperson said the “HSE did not approve, nor was it notified in advance or retrospectively, of any transfer of HSE-funded monies or assets by Autism Initiatives Ireland to UK-based or other external entities”.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC), in correspondence from HSE chief Anne O’Connor, was told a review was under way into how around €1.5m in public funding was allegedly transferred to the wider UK organisation.
A briefing note from Ms O’Connor to the committee said the HSE did not provide any approval to transfer the funds.
She added that all funding provided to the charity is only to be used for providing disability services within Ireland.
“The HSE has no evidence at this time that services were contracted, delivered or invoiced by UK-based entities in connection with the transfers referenced by the committee,” Ms O’Connor stated.
Asked to clarify the issue, a HSE spokesperson said: “Autism Initiatives Ireland, now trading as Autism a Chara, is funded by the HSE as a Section 39 organisation under annual service arrangements and is subject to contractual, financial and governance oversight, including submission of audited annual financial statements and annual financial management returns.
We have not heard from the HSE and so are surprised to learn that they are commencing a review
“The HSE are currently in the process of reviewing available information. Autism Initiatives Ireland advised the HSE in January, 2026 that it was transitioning away from the Autism Initiatives Group in the UK and will become a wholly Irish-based charity.
“The HSE acknowledges the seriousness of the matters raised and will continue to engage with the Public Accounts Committee and relevant statutory partners as appropriate.”
In a statement to the Irish Independent, a spokesman for Autism a Chara said: “We have not heard from the HSE and so are surprised to learn that they are commencing a review.
“They previously investigated the same set of allegations, from the same source, and the claims were not substantiated.
“Corporate recharging, for services provided to us by the wider organisation in UK, has been in place for many years. We recognise the significant benefit we have received over that time from the centralised support.
“The HSE has been well aware of this arrangement. We reiterate that there was no impropriety established by HSE as there was no impropriety to find.”