Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 October 2020
36. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration if he will carry out a review into the funding model for family resource centres and other community services under the remit of Tusla. [31356/20]
View answerTusla uses a commissioning model of funding to ensure that all available resources are used by the frontline services it funds to improve outcomes for children and families, in an efficient, effective, and fair way.
As part of this process, Tusla:
- analyses the needs of a service area,
- consults stakeholders,
- considers its available resources and statutory duties, and
- assesses what resources may be available in the community and voluntary sector.
I support this approach to ensuring resources allocated will enable Tusla achieve the best possible outcomes for children. It is important that Tusla can determine the best ways to meet local needs, within available resources.
The FRC Programme was established by the then Department of Social and Family Affairs in 1994. Later it transferred to the Family Support Agency, which became part of Tusla on its establishment in 2014.
The funding for FRCs this year amounted to some €18m.
I greatly value the work of these Tusla funded services. I recently met with the Family Resource Centre National Forum and heard their concerns and wishes for future resourcing. I am aware of pressures across the community and voluntary sector, which have implications for a number of government departments.
I intend to work with my cabinet colleagues, and with Tusla, to ensure our key delivery partners are enabled to fully meet the needs of children, young people and their families.
On 30 September last, I submitted my Performance Framework to Tusla, which will inform its priority focuses for the next three years. My vision for Tusla is for an Agency that equips families and communities to be strong and supportive of children and young people, and promotes their wellbeing.
I am pleased to have secured additional funding of €61m for Tusla in this year's Budget which, I believe, will help the Agency more fully achieve this vision. The exact details of where this additional funding is allocated by Tusla will be finalised in the coming weeks, and will form part of my consideration of Tusla’s Business Plan for 2021.
