Charity warns of HSE plans

CUTBACKS by the HSE to child and family support services would be a significantly shortsighted measure and a possible reaction to financial mismanagement and overspending in other areas of the services, the head of a leading children’s charity has warned.

Barnardos chief executive Fergus Finlay said the group has learned of funding cuts to some of its 40 family support services, which will take effect this year, and it waiting to see what the impact will be.

“The suggestion that the HSE intends to further slash funding for child and family support services by up to 20% from December 2011 is simply shocking,” said Mr Finlay said.