HSE and St John of God agree funding deal 

Bernard Gloster said he was pleased to have arrived at "a satisfactory solution" to allow the care group to continue delivering important care to the 8,000 children and adults using their services. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland

The care needs for about 8,000 people with intellectual disabilities and mental health needs has been secured after a funding agreement was reached between Saint John of God Community Services and the HSE.

It follows intense discussions between both sides following the shock announcement by one of the largest intellectual and mental health service providers earlier this month that it planned to transfer its services to the HSE by August after prolonged focus on the charity’s finances including a deficit of €32.5m, and following a similar proposal in 2020.