The HSE and Tusla have committed to provide funding for the Donegal-based ParentStop service, which was under threat of closure in 2020.
The funding was promised at a meeting yesterday between ParentStop representatives, Donegal Deputy Pat the Cope Gallagher and Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone.
While money has been secured to keep the project going in 2020, further funding will have to be found to make the project sustainable for the entire year, according to Pat the Cope.
He said: “It is self-evident that from the tone of the meeting that ParentStop has universal support from Tusla, HSE and all Donegal public Representatives.
“The outcome of today’s meeting is positive in that Tusla and the HSE have committed funding to the project for 2020, but further funding will be required to make the project sustainable for the entire year. Therefore, it was agreed that officials from the Departments of Health, Education, Children and Justice will meet to explore how a permanent funding model can be put in place.
“The funding commitment from the HSE and Tulsa will give ParentStop enough headspace to put in place a new funding model to guarantee that ParentStop can be put on a permanent basis,” stated Pat the Cope.
Deputy Gallagher has now called on officials from the four Government Departments to work proactively to resolve this funding deficit and put in place a permanent mechanism so that ParentStop will be guaranteed a future without worrying about funding.
“That will allow ParentStop to focus on providing the excellent services which they are well noted for,” concluded Pat the Cope.