Taoiseach urged to step in over Little Wonders funding crisis

The future of the Little Wonders Early Intervention Centre in Castleblayney has been raised in the Dáil, Seanad and at an Oireachtas committee, as politicians from across the political spectrum intensify calls for sustainable funding to secure the service's future.

Twenty-five families could be left without a vital support service for children with additional and complex needs if funding issues are not resolved before the facility's proposed closure date of December 22.

Cavan-Monaghan Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy urged Taoiseach Micheál Martin to personally intervene to safeguard the service, which supports children with disabilities and their families across Monaghan and Cavan.

Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Carthy said many parents describe Little Wonders as a "lifeline" at a time when families are already battling to secure essential disability supports such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy, speech and language services, and respite care.

"This fantastic setting has been stepping up to fill the gap in disability services," he said, adding that uncertainty over funding has left families deeply concerned about the future of the service.

Deputy Carthy told the Taoiseach that parents, children and supporters had recently protested because of fears for the facility's future and asked for direct intervention to ensure the service remains in place. Following the exchange, he welcomed the Taoiseach's indication that he would familiarise himself with the situation.

Meanwhile, Aontú Senator Sarah O'Reilly also raised the issue in the Seanad after attending a protest in support of the service. She said there is no alternative local facility capable of meeting the same level of complex need should Little Wonders cease operating.

"We need more disability services in this country, not less," Senator O'Reilly said. "It makes absolutely no sense to allow an established service, which is already meeting the needs of children and families, to disappear because of a funding shortfall."

The senator said Little Wonders provides children with a safe environment in which they can develop independence, confidence and important life skills, while also offering much-needed respite for parents and siblings. She praised Claire Callan and her team for their dedication to supporting local families since the service was established in 2017.

Further concerns about the future of the service were raised this week by Fine Gael TD David Maxwell at a meeting of the Joint Committee on Public Petitions and the Ombudsman following a protest organised in support of Little Wonders.

Deputy Maxwell told the committee that the service faces closure on December 22 amid continuing uncertainty over HSE funding. He said operator Claire Callan had been attempting to reach agreement on a sustainable funding model for the past two years.

While describing a recent meeting with HSE management as positive, Deputy Maxwell said neither he nor Ms Callan had received any response after a new funding template was submitted to the HSE.

"Claire hasn't heard one word back from the HSE. I haven't heard one word back," he told the committee.

Deputy Maxwell also shared a message from one parent outlining the impact Little Wonders has had on families.

"Claire and the team know every child, every trigger, and they care," the mother wrote.

With political pressure mounting from all sides, families are continuing to call for a long-term funding solution that would secure the future of the Castleblayney service and the supports it provides for children with additional needs across Monaghan and neighbouring counties.