To meet this challenge of increased demand for services and reduced funding, we oversaw a number of initiatives which have resulted in a more efficient organisation with imaginative use of resources and savings achieved through procurement and adjusted staffing levels. I commend our staff and management for their hard work and commitment towards this goal.

In order to maintain the level of service which Enable Ireland delivers, we must continue to raise income from our Commercial Division and fundraising activities. In 2013, Enable Ireland transferred €1,541,561 from its Commercial Division, fundraising and ancillary income. This transfer was necessary in order to deal with the shortfall between the income received
from the HSE and other agencies to fund the services versus the cost of running these services.

Since inception, Enable Ireland Disability Services Limited has continuously funded service related activities from its commercial, fundraising and ancillary income resources. In the period 2006 - 2013, Enable Ireland transferred funds of €10,258,731 to support service activities which were not funded by the HSE or other agencies. These sources of income are vital in delivering our services and I would like to thank everyone who supported us in 2013 whether through monthly donations, clothing donations or volunteering your time. We are extremely grateful for this support now more than ever. Thank you most sincerely.

In the last few weeks of 2013, the public’s attention turned to governance in Irish charities due to the work of the Public Accounts Committee. As Chairman of Enable Ireland, I want to assure our supporters of the high standard of corporate governance practices in this organisation. As a national service provider with charitable status, we rely on the goodwill and generosity of the public and it is important to us that openness and transparency exist between ourselves and our donors.

Finally, I would like to address the many families, children and adults who relied on our services in 2013. My plea to the Government, on your behalf, is that, as we emerge from the worst of the economic recession, we ensure that those with disabilities be amongst the first to benefit from any recovery by a renewed investment and commitment to providing the services and supports that are much needed.

Donal Cashman
Chairman