Charity boss slams HSE over cuts

THE HEAD of an organisation that provides care for children with severe neurological problems has slammed the HSE after it imposed a blanket funding cut on all charities in the disability sector.

Jonathan Irwin, the CEO of the Jack and Jill Foundation, has questioned the wisdom of the decision to impose an annual cut of 3.7 per cent on all charities in the sector.

The Jack and Jill Foundation provides nursing care and support for children with severe neurological development issues, as well as offering some respite services to their parents and families.

Mr Irwin said he could not understand the logic of the HSE imposing the blanket cut without taking into account the various levels of efficiencies displayed by the organisations.

He noted that a study carried out by Trinity College Dublin in 2010 found that the care provided at the Jack and Jill Foundation was nine times cheaper than that available in public hospitals.

He also pointed out that another report commissioned by the previous Government regarding efficiencies at charities in the sector is due to be published in May.

Mr Irwin said it was his understanding that the report would point out that there were too many charities in the disability sector competing for the same funding.

“I really don’t understand why the HSE is sending out this letter now and issuing a cut to all charities across the board, whether they are efficient or not,

? he said.

Mr Irwin said that since 1997 the charity has raised e35 million privately to provide their critical home nursing care service nationwide while receiving what he described as a

“paltry

? e4.5 million from the HSE during the same period.

“Now, after presenting all the facts about the efficiency of the Jack and Jill service and how we save the State millions every year, we receive this claptrap about another cut with lots of irrelevant blurb about efficiencies,

? he added.

Southside People has seen a copy of the letter Mr Irwin received from the HSE on March 29.

The letter reads:

“The National Service Plan states that the allocation for disability services will reduce in 2012 by approximately 3.7 per cent on the gross allocation as a consequence of the impact of the efficiency, procurement and targeted pay reduction savings.

“In addition, disability services will be required to cater for demographic pressures, such as school leavers and emergency residential placement, from within their existing budgets

?¦The allocation is based on maintaining front line services to service users and achieving a breakeven position for 2012.

?

A spokesperson for the HSE said it had worked closely with the Jack and Jill Foundation for several years, providing funding and services to the children and families catered for by the organisation.

“The HSE is committed to enhancing community based care for its clients right across the health service and seeks to provide the best level of care for children and families,

? the spokesperson said.

“Reflecting the current economic situation, the HSE must manage service levels within existing resources.

?