Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 October 2015
125. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide the necessary funding to re-establish the scheme of grants for marriage, child and bereavement counselling services, as previously administered by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34823/15]
View answerTusla, the Child and Family Agency is tasked with improving outcomes and well-being for children and young people. In this regard, Tusla must ensure that it makes the most efficient use of its resources in a way that is efficient, equitable, proportionate and sustainable.
In the context of resources available, a decision was taken by Tusla to direct its budget towards services which are best aligned to those outcomes prioritised in the Agency’s corporate plan. In this regard, it was necessary to effect some savings under the Scheme referred to by the Deputy.
I appreciate the decision creates a challenge for the organisations concerned.
While my Department is not in a position, at this time, to identify a new funding stream for these organisations, the position will be kept under close review.
