Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 January 2022
1085. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will review a case (details supplied) regarding resources for a family resource centre in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [63510/21]
View answerTusla, the Child and Family Agency, administers the Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme which provides funding to 121 Centres across the country. My Department allocates core funding for the FRC Programme and since 2019, I have provided an additional €1.5m to these important services. Overall funding for this Programme last year amounted to some €18m. I appreciate the work of Clones FRC and the Beacon Project Family Support Services in improving the lives of children and families in the Clones area, especially during the difficulties experienced through COVID-19.
Tusla is required by law to be independent in its work as set out in Section 8(11) of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013 that 'the Agency shall be independent in the performance of its functions'. The commissioning of services and requests for additional funding of the type outlined are best addressed as an operational matter for Tusla. However, I am aware of the FRC's request for an additional core worker. Tusla has advised the Department that the current level of funding is to sustain existing services operating in the FRC Programme. The Area Manager considers proposals in the context of the commissioning priorities in the local area. Tusla aims to utilise the resources available in the most equitable, proportionate and sustainable way to improve outcomes for children and families. Tusla has advised that the request from Clones FRC has been noted by Tusla’s National Commissioning Office should they receive additional funding.
In relation to the refugee families that the FRC helps, the Department does not have a role in resettlement supports as this is a matter for Local Authorities. I would encourage the Deputy to contact Monaghan Local Authority in relation to any issues around the support of resettled refugees.
I was pleased to announce in Budget 2022 that Tusla has been allocated €899m for 2022, which is an increase of €41m over the amount allocated in Budget 2021. However, whether funding for additional services of the type requested by the FRC will be available is not yet established and is subject to the finalisiation of Tusla's Business Plan for 2022.
I will continue to work with my colleagues in Government, Tusla and our service delivery partners to ensure we meet the needs of children, young people and their families across Ireland.
