The Health Minister Simon Harris has moved to reassure users of the services of the charity Console, after concerns were raised about its governance and financial management.

A ‘RTE Investigates’ programme, due to air tonight, is expected to question expense claims and financial accounting at the suicide prevention charity.

The programme will allege that Console omitted directors’ pay from applications for State grants and tax exemptions.

Minister Harris says a HSE audit of Console has been completed and he is awaiting a report on that.

He said: “I want to assure people today, regardless of what one sees tonight on their televisions.

“There will be important issues raised and important issues to be dealt with, my priority and the Government’s priority and our commitement, is to ensure the continuity of services in relation to counselling, particularly in relation to bereavement counselling.”