I propose to take Questions Nos. 980, 982 and 983 together.
With regard to funding, I have secured over €1 billion for Tusla for 2024 and this includes a year on year increase of at least €80m in general funding. In this context, my forthcoming Performance Statement to Tusla will outline the overall parameters of Tusla's financial resources in light of Budget 2024, and my priorities for the coming year.
In April 2022, I launched Supporting Parents: A National Model of Parenting Support Services. The vision of this model is for all parents to be confident and capable in their parenting role, helping to achieve the best outcomes for children and families.
The Supporting Parents model was developed in accordance with a commitment in First 5, a whole of government strategy for babies, young children and their families 2019-2028, to improve and guide the development of parenting support services. The model was developed by a collaborative working group led by my Department, with input from a wide range of stakeholders from across Government Departments, agencies and community and voluntary organisations, including, Tusla, the HSE, the Prevention and Early Intervention Network (PEIN), the Parenting Network and others.
The model is comprised of 23 individual actions, which are divided across 4 goals:
• Goal 1 - greater awareness of parenting support services
• Goal 2 – greater access to parenting support services
• Goal 3 - more inclusive parenting support service
• Goal 4 – needs-led and evidence-informed parenting support services.
During the development of the model, best international practice was reviewed and learning incorporated into the model.