Response to questions raised

In response to questions raised regarding our random  selection process, after careful consideration  this was the only possible fair procedure we could follow. A situation where everybody would have to apply at the same time and we took the 1st 60 would have been unfair on people who do not  have strong broadband connection.

We had over 2,200 expressions of interest and after we were able to filter out applicants who had completed the form more than once the final number was 1618.

We do not have the resources to properly assess 1618 families nor would it make sense to do so.

The process was a  completely transparent Google random generator which was performed by an external company. This was also video recorded for authenticity.

We have committed to opening our list every year from here on in April and for  this reason  we picked 60. Going forward we do not want to have families on waiting list over 12 months

MCC have consistently been the largest provider of service/assistance dogs to children with autism in Ireland. We provide over 60% annually (Irish Guide Dogs 30-35% and Autism Assistance Dogs 5-10%)

Unfortunately at current full capacity we can qualify up to 50 service dogs per year. Of course this is nowhere near meeting the demands. Quite simply we are doing what we can with extremely limited resources.

We totally understand that it was heartbreaking for 1558 families to be informed yesterday that they did not progress to the next stage. This was certainly not an email we wanted to send out.

I hope this answers any questions people have and makes everyone  aware of the huge demands placed on our service and the fact that we are doing all we possibly can with the resources we have.

Cliona O’Rourke

Operations Manager