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Family Resource Centres

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2019

Tuesday, 22 October 2019

Questions (64)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

64. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when a centre (details supplied) will receive family resource centre status; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43103/19]

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Written answers

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency is responsible for the administration of the Family Resource Centre Programme. I can assure the Deputy that Tusla is acutely aware of the level of need in certain areas, and is actively working to improve outcomes for children and young people.

I understand that the Trinity Adult Resource Group for Education and Training (TARGET), the organisation named by the Deputy, applied to Tusla to join the Family Resource Centre Programme in February of this year.

I am also advised that Tusla met with representatives from TARGET to discuss local community needs, and Tusla's commissioning priorities.

Tusla has advised me that while it is not possible to give TARGET Family Resource Centre status in 2019, it has provided annual funding of €50,000 to support TARGET's provision of counselling and psychotherapy services in the community.

I also understand that following recent engagement with the Health Service Executive (HSE), Tusla allocated an additional €12,000 to TARGET this month to co-fund a Clinical Manager post with the HSE for the counselling service. TARGET will therefore receive funding of €62,000 in total from Tusla in 2019.

The Deputy will be aware that in 2018, I allocated additional funding of €1.5 million to Tusla to enable an additional 11 centres to be added to the Family Resource Centre Programme. In 2019, I provided a further €1.5 million to the Family Resource Centre Programme to support and develop the existing network of Family Resource Centres. I have maintained this support for FRCs into 2020.

As a supporter of the work of FRCs, I am anxious to ensure that there is a strong provision of FRCs in the areas that need them, including the area serviced by TARGET. I would note that there are two FRCs in close proximity to TARGET's service in Donaghmede, Baldoyle FRC and Tús Nua FRC in Artane. Both provide important services in the area.

Tusla will continue to work with Family Resource Centres and other community organisations throughout the country. Service needs and funding resources will be discussed with Centres where appropriate.

Tusla is committed to using all available resources for children and families in a efficient, proportionate and sustainable way.

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