Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2021
580. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if Tulsa will honour section 20 of the agreement pertaining to the dispute with a centre (details supplied) to ensure existing funding is retained pending the final arbitration process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11048/21]
View answerI am aware of discussions between Tusla and the organisation to which the Deputy refers, with regard to the agreed level of funding in 2021. The organisation is commissioned by Tusla to provide a service, for a specified funding allocation, covered by an annual Service Level Agreement (SLA). The details of any funding arrangement between Tusla and a third party, covered by an annual Service Level Agreement (SLA), is an operational matter for Tusla.
Tusla has advised that Section 20 of the SLA between Tusla and all funded bodies provides for a dispute resolution process. Tusla is open to engaging with funded organisations through this mechanism to resolve any differences constructively. The SLA must be signed so that this dispute resolution process can be established and in order to comply with obligations in the distribution of public funds. I have asked Tusla to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
