Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
1201. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on the impact that short-term contracts in this regard have on the running of centres and their ability to plan for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39317/21]
View answerI understand the Deputy's question is in reference to the operations of Family Resource Centres (FRC).
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency administers the Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme. Tusla provides core funding to 121 FRCs in marginalised communities throughout the country, which enables centres to leverage broader community support and access funding from other sources. Tusla encourages FRCs to access all funding streams that may be available to them, particularly where a FRC may have an area of interest aligned to another Government Department or State body. The range of services and supports in FRCs differs from centre to centre, and may depend on areas of interest in the community. Accordingly, some FRCs may choose to employ staff through community employment programmes operated by the Department of Social Protection.
In exchange for annual funding, FRCs sign a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Tusla on an annual basis, and agree to provide a specified level of service to those who may frequent its services. FRCs operate independently of Tusla. The recruitment of FRC employees and the terms and conditions under which they are employed, are a matter for the Board of Management of that FRC. Tusla is not the employer of the staff of FRCs and the remuneration or long-term employment of these staff is a matter for their own employers. Tusla assesses the agreed levels of service, and how that service is being provided, through the annual SLA process.
I am aware that the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated financial pressures for many services in the voluntary sector, including FRCs. This is why I provided an additional €7m to some 700 community and voluntary organisations funded by Tusla, including FRCs. FRCs have shown tireless commitment and real innovation in providing services in response to the needs of families at this time. All FRCs have been allocated an additional once-off 5% funding increase in recognition of this.
Tusla continues to engage with FRCs on a regular basis in relation to pressure points and other ongoing issues. I would strongly encourage any service to make contact with Tusla as soon as possible, where issues are being experienced. Tusla is available to support and liaise with any FRC that is encountering difficulties at this time.
I am committed to working with colleagues in government, Tusla and across the FRC Programme to ensure the sustainability of FRC services to meet the needs of children, young people and their families across Ireland.
