Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020
765. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the financial difficulties facing family resource centres nationwide as a direct result of Covid-19 restrictions (details supplied); the steps he has taken to address the difficulties; his views on the fact that many centres will struggle to remain open unless urgent assistance is provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13217/20]
View answerTusla, the Child and Family Agency administers the Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme. There are 121 Family Resource Centres currently in the FRC Programme. In 2020, Tusla is providing funding of some €18 million to the FRC Programme.
Tusla has maintained consistent contact with FRCs during the COVID-19 national emergency, and continues to provide core funding to FRCs to ensure that staff continue to receive an income at this time. Tusla has advised my Department that it is aware of the concerns of FRCs regarding the loss of potential income, and has provided advice to services about additional resources and supports that may be available. This includes the Government’s COVID-19 Stability Fund for community and voluntary organisations, administered by the former Department for Rural and Community Development, a package of some €35 million. The Restart Grant referred to is a matter for the former Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
Tusla has directed €70,054 towards assisting 23 FRCs respond to Covid-19 over the last few months. In addition to core funding, additional once-off funding of €618,000 is being made available in 2020 through the Dormant Accounts Fund to support maintenance costs in FRCs. Tusla is considering all applications for this Dormant Accounts fund at present and expects to advise FRCs of the outcome of their applications shortly.
