On Tuesday 18th February, Fórsa issued a union instruction to members working in children’s disability services. This guidance advises members not to participate in any meetings, either in-person or online, any surveys, emails or other activities, that relate to a review being conducted by the National Disability Authority (NDA) on the children’s disability network teams (CDNT) service model. 

In December 2024 Fórsa received an ultimatum from the HSE, stating that it intended to proceed with the NDA review terms of reference, despite outstanding concerns from members. 

In response, Fórsa sought clarification on several issues and requested a revised project outline from the HSE and NDA.  Fórsa did not receive any further correspondence or follow-up from the management side.  

However, in recent weeks the union has learnt that a number of professional bodies and advocacy organisations have been invited to join the advisory group of the review.  

In a letter to Bernard O’Regan, HSE head of operations with responsibility for disabilities, Fórsa national secretary Linda Kelly expressed disappointment that the National Disability Authority (NDA) had begun inviting stakeholders to a review advisory group when members’ concerns have not been fully addressed.  

She said: “It would appear that your office has reverted to the previous pattern of intensive engagement followed by long periods of silence during which matters of disagreement are progressed, presumably, with a view of presenting them back to Fórsa as a fait accompli.” 

“Fórsa has at all times engaged on the issue of the NDA review and been constructive about the concerns our members have. That this would be the approach of the HSE at the end of that process is very disappointing.”  

Although the letter was acknowledged, management has not engaged substantively with the issues raised. As a result, the union issued an instruction to members. 

Linda underlined the importance of the issue saying: “We welcome the need for a comprehensive review of the CDNT service model. Our members are on the front line of this model of care every day and they know the pressure points in service provision better than anyone else. So, if their concerns aren’t taken into the design of the process there is little chance the review will achieve its aims.” 

Fórsa represents members working in children’s disability services, employed both by the HSE and lead agencies, including Enable Ireland, BOC, CRC, Avista, St Michaels house, COPE/Horizons, St Gabriel’s, St Joseph’s Foundation, Stewarts Care, KARE, and CoAction.  

If you have any queries regarding the union’s advice, please contact your workplace rep or your local branch executive committee in the first instance.  

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