Vol. 561 No. 6
22 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on the recent report from Accord on marital problems, marriage counselling and related matters; the level of resources and support she is providing to Accord for its work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4835/03]
The report in question was commissioned by ACCORD and funded by my Department under the families research programme. It is a significant report which provides solid evidence about the value of marriage counselling when relationships are in difficulty. It shows that marriage counselling can provide couples with the support and assistance they need and equip them with the skills and knowledge to build better relationships.
The findings of the report present a convincing case for better preparation for marriage and relationships with a greater emphasis on building strong and stable relationships. As well as these key findings, the report provides valuable information for ACCORD in developing their highly professional services.
The Government's approach aims to prevent marital breakdown where possible and put in place the supports needed to assist couples encountering difficulty in their relationships. The research testifies to the effectiveness of the policy and to the values to be gained from investment in the provision of marriage and relationship counselling. ACCORD nation-wide received over €2.4 million in grant aid in 2002 for the provision of marriage counselling services and marriage preparation courses under a scheme administered by my Department. Government grant aid for these services has increased from £900,000 in 1997 to €6.6 million last year.
There are now over 460 voluntary and community groups throughout the country providing support services. The scheme of grants will be administered in the future by the new family support agency which I intend to formally establish shortly. The agency will have a specific function to support, promote and develop the provision of marriage and relationship counselling and other family supports by voluntary organisations throughout the country. The Government has provided some €17.2 million for the agency to develop its functions in 2003. Some €7 million has been specifically allocated for the future development of the marriage and relationship counselling and other family support services.
23 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the forward planning which is being engaged in by her Department in relation to the trend of growing numbers of divorces here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [4926/03]
49 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will report on the establishment of the family support agency. [4930/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 49 together.
The growing number of divorces and separations is a source of concern. In the year 2001 there were almost 5,500 applications for divorce and judicial separation. Family life is facing significant challenges in today's rapidly changing society, from increasing work pressures and poverty, to trying to reconcile these pressures with family life, and from the demands of an increasingly consumer orientated society. Support for stability in family life, addressing marital breakdown, the effects of separation and divorce on families and building a supportive community environment for families are key features of the Government's policy approach to these challenges.
The family support agency, which I plan to establish shortly, will provide a statutory underpinning for the future development of a range of important family supports which have been developed by my Department in line with these developments over the past few years. The agency will provide a family mediation service; support, promote and develop the provision of marriage and relationship counselling and family support services; support, promote and develop the family and community services resource centres programme; promote and disseminate information about these services and other family issues and, provide financial assistance to voluntary organisations for these purposes.
The agency will also undertake research and will have an advisory role to me on family matters. The Government has provided €17.20 million to enable the family support agency to develop its functions in 2003. The establishment of the agency is an important development in the formulation and delivery of effective services to promote and support family well-being.
The Chairman and members designate of the new body have been appointed and they have been meeting regularly in recent months to oversee the completion of the preparatory arrangements to enable the agency to carry out its responsibilities under the Act. The arrangements for the appointment of the chief executive officer to manage and control generally the administration and business of the agency are almost finalised and I expect to be in a position to formally establish the family support agency shortly when that appointment is made.
