Sinn Féin spokesperson on Children, Kathleen Funchion TD, has called on Tulsa to reverse the catastrophic decision to cut CARI’s (Children at Risk Ireland) funding by 55%.

Teachta Funchion said:

“This morning I was made aware that funding to CARI for the coming year was to be slashed by a staggering 55%, reducing an already tight budget down to €337,000.

“This will effectively render the organisation unable to fulfil their core duty of providing vital support services to victims of child sexual abuse and by extension their families.

“CARI is the only organisation, outside of Dublin, that offers long term therapeutic support to children aged three to 18 who have been affected by child sexual abuse.

“I have written to both Tusla CEO Kate Duggan and Minister Roderic O’Gorman calling for this devastating decision to be immediately reversed as a matter of urgency, that CARI’s budget be reinstated and all future budgets to be protected.

“It effectively means the most vulnerable children, child victims of sexual abuse, will have no access to therapeutic services. I am conscious, given the recent and troubling cases that have come before our courts, that it is imperative that CARI’s work is supported and adequately funded.

“I have been told CARI cannot effectively operate its therapeutic services – this is a shameful decision and will do untold damage if it is not revered.

“Tulsa must reverse this disastrous decision, and the Minister must back my calls for the reinstatement of CARI’s funding.”