As noted in the PQ to which the Deputy refers, my Department is progressing the development of the Tackling Disadvantage funding and support. Informed by recommendations in Partnership for the Public Good, services will be provided with a proportionate mix of universal and targeted supports to support children and families accessing their services who are experiencing disadvantage.
Officials from this Department will be engaging in a series of structured consultations with key stakeholders to inform proposals. The output from the totality of these consultations, and proposals for a response will be submitted to me for consideration in due course.
In addition, I regularly engage with a forum of sectoral and stakeholder representatives of which the organisation the Deputy refers to is a member. The issues of concern have been raised at this forum and the Department has committed to providing for a cohesive response to the issues of socio-economic disadvantage.
Any individual or organisation seeking a meeting may contact my office and formally request such a meeting by emailing minister@equality.gov.ie.