HIV Ireland withdrew from the launch of the Health Service Executive (HSE) You, Me and HIV

HIV Ireland Pulls Out of HSE Campaign Launch Over Online Slagging and Corruption Claims

HIV Ireland withdrew from the launch of the Health Service Executive (HSE) You, Me and HIV programme following online commentary that accused the charity of corruption and misappropriation of funds, chief executive Stephen O’Hare told the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). O’Hare gave evidence during a whistleblower penalisation hearing brought by veteran manager Erin Nugent, who has worked at the charity since 1995.

The Workplace Relations Commission proceedings center on a complaint brought by Nugent through her trade union, Fórsa. Nugent is currently facing disciplinary action—which remains on hold—after being accused of bullying colleagues and showing insubordination toward O’Hare. Fórsa representatives contend that the disciplinary measures are designed to punish Nugent for raising concerns regarding HIV Ireland’s financial governance and alleged community discontent. Nugent also maintains she has been removed as the public face of the charity.

Disciplinary Action and Allegations of Whistleblower Penalisation

Counsel for HIV Ireland, Aoife McMahon, stated during the cross-examination that Nugent was only prevented from attending a single related event: the January 2025 launch of the HSE’s You, Me and HIV programme, which aims to combat stigma and misinformation about HIV. The charity disputes claims that Nugent’s absence from broader conferences and press engagements constitutes penalisation for making protected disclosures under the Protected Disclosures Act 2014.

Louise O’Hara of Fórsa challenged O’Hare during the hearing, arguing that management presided over a decline in relations and utilized disciplinary procedures to target a whistleblower. O’Hare rejected that characterization. Testimony revealed that earlier in 2024, O’Hare wrote a letter urging the charity’s board to take disciplinary action against Nugent, citing borderline insubordination and bullying behaviour after staff members reported discussions regarding financial matters.

Online Commentary and Breakdown in HSE Programme Relations

O’Hare testified that following World Aids Day on December 1st, 2024, the charity faced severe criticism from members of the public and activists. According to O’Hare, individuals engaged by the HSE as ambassadors for the You, Me and HIV campaign were publicly alleging corruption, fraud, and the misappropriation of funds at HIV Ireland. He described the commentary as very nasty and bordering on personally offensive.

HIV Ireland staff, including Nugent, were scheduled to participate in the HSE campaign launch event on January 15th, 2025. In response to the online remarks, O’Hare decided to pull the charity out of the initiative. He informed the HSE the day before the launch that campaign ambassadors were making defamatory statements on social media. The HSE was reportedly unhappy with HIV Ireland’s decision to withdraw.

Adjudication Officer Concludes Whistleblower Complaint Hearings

Adjudication officer Breiffni O’Neill has concluded the hearings regarding the whistleblower complaint. The parties involved expect an official decision to be issued in January.

HIV Ireland Withdraws from HSE Programme Launch

When did HIV Ireland withdraw from the HSE programme launch?

HIV Ireland pulled out of the launch event for the HSE’s You, Me and HIV programme in January 2025, notifying the HSE the day before the scheduled January 15th event.

What specific allegations were made against HIV Ireland online?

Chief executive Stephen O’Hare testified at the Workplace Relations Commission that members of the public and campaign activists alleged corruption, misappropriation of funds, and fraud at the organisation following World Aids Day in December 2024.

Who is bringing the complaint to the Workplace Relations Commission?

Erin Nugent, a veteran manager who has worked at HIV Ireland since 1995, brought the complaint of whistleblower penalisation with representation from her trade union, Fórsa.