Confidential 2025 report raised questions over its use of public money
A drug treatment centre operated by the Peter McVerry Trust will undergo a HSE audit after a confidential report found ‘a clear failure to deliver essential services and value for money’.
Based in Naas, Áras Addiction Services provides treatment and rehabilitation support to individuals and families affected by alcohol and other drug use in the Kildare and West Wicklow areas.
However, a 2025 evaluation by the Substance Use Regional Forum (SURF), which channels HSE funding for the project, concluded that there was a ‘near-total failure in client engagement’ and raised questions over its use of public money.
The findings were revealed in an RTÉ Prime Time report on Thursday. Today, the Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD, visited the Naas facility and met with service users and staff.
She announced that the HSE’s Internal Audit function will undertake an audit of financial and health service management and examine service delivery and value for money.
“It is essential that we provide safe and effective drug treatment services for all those who need them,” said the Minister.
“In doing so we must ensure transparency, accountability and continued public confidence in the operation of publicly funded services. It is crucial that we ensure value for public money.
“I am pleased that the HSE have agreed to ask their Internal Audit function to audit this facility so that that those who depend upon it, and those who work there, can be confident in their service.”
The Minister and HSE emphasised the importance of maintaining the provision of safe, effective and high-quality care for individuals and communities who rely on these services.
“The HSE Dublin and Midlands remains committed to ensuring that all addiction services funded across the region are safe, effective, and responsive to the needs of service users,” said Mary O’Kelly, the HSE’s Integrated Healthcare Area Manager for Kildare West Wicklow.
“We have been engaging with Áras Addiction Services and South Western Substance Use Regional Forum (SURF) since December and will continue to do this as we work to ensure that this important service is operating effectively and addressing service needs.”
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