An order has been made to restrain the founder of Console Paul Kelly, his wife Patricia and his sister Joan McKenna from accessing its funds.

It is after an HSE audit revealed financial irregularities at the national suicide charity between 2012 and 2014.

The High Court has also approved an injunction preventing them from destroying, concealing or moving any of its records.

Despite the announcement of his resignation last week, the court heard Mr. Kelly has continued to hold himself out as CEO.

David Hall was appointed as interim CEO last night. He says their main focus now is to keep Console’s services going: “This has been a difficult week for many including those who use Console, the staff and many donors and the entire industry.

“With the support of the charity regulator, and with the board, we have achieved an injunction, a wide ranging injunction to protect this charity, protect the good work it does, and we will now go and affect that and ensure the charity is protected.”