Wednesday, 14 Feb 2018

Written Answers Nos. 277 and 278

Gender Recognition

Questions (277)

Joan Burton

Question:

277. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her Department has prepared written guidelines for staff and the public on dealing with transgender matters; if they are published; if staff have received training in respect of this; if her Department is participating in or making a submission regarding the review being undertaken in respect of the operation of the Gender Recognition Act 2015; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7563/18]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

My Department does not have specific written guidelines for staff and public in relation to dealing with transgender matters.

My Department operates the Dignity At Work policy - an anti-bullying, harassment and sexual harassment policy for the Irish Civil Service - which aims to promote respect, dignity, safety, and equality in the workplace for all employees.

My Department is represented as a key stakeholder on the Review Group of the Gender Recognition Act 2015 chaired by Moninne Griffith.

Family Resource Centres

Questions (278)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

278. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when decisions will be made by Tusla on applications submitted in December 2017 under the family resource centre scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7585/18]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, administers the Family Resource Centre Programme. As part of Budget 2018, I was pleased to announce that additional funding of approximately €5.0 million is being allocated to existing centres and to support the expansion of the programme, with the inclusion of an additional 11 centres in 2018. The closing date for receipt of applications, by Tusla, was 20th December 2017.

Over €2.0 million of the additional funding announced in Budget 2018 was allocated to existing centres for investment in small works in December 2017. The remainder of this funding will be allocated to Family Resource Centres this year.

Tusla has advised that it has received a total of 43 applications for inclusion in the Family Resource Centre Programme from community organisations. Tusla is currently assessing all applications. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of the assessment at the beginning of March 2018.

I highly value the work of Family Resource Centres across the country. Tusla is committed to using all available resources for children and families in the most efficient, equitable, proportionate and sustainable way.