I propose to take Questions Nos. 330 and 333 together.
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency is responsible for the administration of the Family Resource Centre Programme. As administrators of the Programme, Tusla processed all applications that were made to the Programme in 2017, and conducted an assessment process, which included consultation with Tusla staff based around the country, and Children and Young People's Services Committees.
I have requested that Tusla provide details to the Deputy directly, in respect of its assessment of the degree of economic disadvantage in each area, and the existing distribution of services in each area. The locations of the 11 new Family Resource Centres, which are planned to be operational in Quarter 4, 2018, are listed in Table 1.
Table 1: Family Resource Centres added to the Programme in 2018
County
|
Organisation
|
Cork
|
Carrigtwohill Family Resource Centre Centre CLG
|
Donegal
|
Raphoe Springboard Family Support Project, Ballybofey/Stranorlar
|
Dublin
|
Barnardos Family Support Project Finglas West
|
Dublin
|
Aster Family Support Balbriggan
|
Kildare
|
Teach Dara Community and Family Centre
|
Kildare
|
Athy Community & Family Resource Centre
|
Laois
|
Mountmellick Development Association
|
Louth/Meath
|
Laytown
|
Roscommon
|
Roscommon Leader Partnership Company
|
Tipperary
|
North Tipperary Community Services, Nenagh
|
Waterford
|
Ballybeg Community Development Project
|
Total
|
11
|
Tusla is committed to using all available resources for children and families in the most efficient, equitable, proportionate and sustainable manner.
I strongly value the work of Family Resource Centres in communities throughout Ireland, and I will be making the case for a continued investment in the centres in 2019 and beyond.