Fresh scrutiny has emerged over an alleged €1.5 million transfer of public funds from an Irish autism service to its UK parent organisation, with internal concerns warning the move could be “possibly a criminal offence”, as the Health Service Executive (HSE) confirms a formal review is under way.
The issue centres on Autism Initiatives Ireland, now trading as Autism a Chara, which receives more than €6 million annually in public funding to provide autism support services, including residential care for adults.
The HSE has confirmed it is examining the organisation’s governance and finances, following correspondence to the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee (PAC) indicating that approximately €1.5 million may have been transferred to the wider UK-based organisation.
In a briefing note to the committee, HSE chief Anne O’Connor said the health service “did not approve, nor was it notified in advance or retrospectively” of any transfer of HSE-funded monies or assets outside the State.
She added that all funding allocated to the organisation is intended strictly for disability services within Ireland, and stated: “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.”
The allegations stem from internal correspondence dating back to 2019, in which an official within the organisation raised “serious concerns” about financial governance. The letter claimed that a total of €1,522,778 was transferred out of the Irish entity over a four-year period.
According to the correspondence, the transfers allegedly occurred through three mechanisms, including a €973,400 “recharge for services rendered” from a Northern Ireland branch, a €200,000 “historical management charge” linked to a 2018 property sale, and an ongoing annual recharge for services.
“This charge was referred to as a ‘historical management charge’ but has never been properly itemised or broken down. Nor has the charge, to my knowledge, been approved by the board of directors,” the letter stated.
The official further alleged that “no services were requested ... or approved” in relation to some of the charges, adding that “very few services were provided or supports put in place.”
They warned that such practices could represent “a breach of the legal requirements imposed by the Companies Act 2014, a breach of AI Ireland’s duty as a registered charity and possibly a criminal offence.”
In response, Autism a Chara has strongly rejected any wrongdoing and said the arrangement with its UK parent body has long been in place.
“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,” a spokesperson said.
The organisation also maintained that the HSE was aware of these arrangements, stating: “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.”
It added that previous examinations of the same allegations “were not substantiated”, and expressed surprise at the latest review.
“We have not heard from the HSE and so are surprised to learn that they are commencing a review,” the spokesperson said.
Separately, the HSE confirmed that Autism Initiatives Ireland, as a Section 39 organisation, is subject to contractual, financial and governance oversight, including audited accounts and financial reporting requirements.
The health service also noted that the charity informed it in January 2026 that it is transitioning away from the UK-based Autism Initiatives Group and plans to become a fully Irish-based organisation.
“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,” a spokesperson said.
The review is ongoing and is expected to examine whether public funds were used in line with their intended purpose, as questions continue over governance and financial oversight within the organisation.
