Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 October 2022
284. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will commit to an increase in funding to all Family Resource Centres, so that all FRCs receive a minimum of €166,400 annually through core funding under the National FRC programme with an adequate percentage increase annually thereafter in view of the recent increase in Tusla funding in Budget 2023 to €37 million. [52478/22]
View answerThank you Deputy for raising this matter. I have personally met with a number of Family Resource Centres over recent months to discuss their concerns. This area of work is a significant priority for me, and for this Government.
The Government greatly appreciates the work of family resource centres and the work of all the community and voluntary bodies funded by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.
As you mention, I have secured an additional €37 million in funding for Tusla in budget 2023. The net funding available to Tusla is determined annually as part of the estimates process and notified to the agency through my annual Performance Statement. In response to the Performance Statement, Tusla will prepare a Business Plan for 2023 and as always family resource centres will be a component. Funds are limited and there are increasing demands for essential services provided by Tusla.
Throughout 2018 and 2019, my Department provided Tusla with an additional €4.5 million to invest in the family resource centres programme. This funding facilitated the expansion of that programme to 121 family resource centres and provided additional supports in core funding for existing family resource centres.
In 2020 and 2021, Tusla provided additional supports as needed to family resource centres and other funded community and voluntary partners to assist with pressures arising from Covid-19.
In 2021, Tusla had a core budget of €18 million for the family resource centres programme. An additional 4% in funding was allocated to the family resource centres in 2022 to target sustainability.
Family resource centres have also benefited from Dormant Account funding €650,000 in 2021 and €1 million in 2022.
I am aware that family resource centres are providing significant levels of assistance on the ground in communities who are welcoming Ukrainian people and I have asked Tusla to continue to support Family Resource Centres in those efforts. I am seeking funding for family resource centres for this purpose during discussions with the Minister for Public Expenditure.
It must be noted other Government bodies also provide substantial funding to family resource centres to deliver services on their behalf. In 2020 more then half of their funding came from non-Tusla sources such as Local Authorities, ETBs, the HSE, Pobal and the Dept. of Social Protection.
A spending review of Tusla-funded family support services is underway. This review will help inform future priorities for investment in these services.
I will continue to engage with Tusla, and family resource centres on the key issue of their funding and sustainability of the valuable services they provide to our communities.
