Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 December 2007
325 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the funding available from his Department for 2008 for organisations working in the area of marriage counselling; the criteria used to determine eligibility; his views on funding an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35498/07]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe scheme of grants to voluntary organisations providing marriage, child and bereavement counselling and related supports is administered by the Family Support Agency. The focus of the scheme of grants is on the development of support services in the community for families, to enhance stability in family life and to assist families and their members deal with difficult periods which they may experience. The aim of the scheme is to ensure an accessible, high quality service which is delivered at low cost to the client.
Financial support for the counselling grants scheme has risen from almost €7.5 million in 2004 to some €10 million in 2007. Funding under the specific heading of marriage and relationships counselling has also increased dramatically in the last 4 years. In 2007, almost €5.6million was allocated to marriage counselling – an increase of almost 28% in 4 years. The counselling sector will see further increases in funding for 2008 with over €11million allocated to this key family support.
The following criteria is taken into consideration in allocating the grant funding:
The demand for the service: this includes the number of clients using the service, the capacity to deliver the service and the number of people waiting for an appointment.
The quality of the service: this includes management and back-up support for the service and the qualifications and training of the counsellors.
The majority of organisations providing a counselling service have professional indemnity insurance. This is generally taken into consideration as one of the indicators of the standard and quality of services being provided by an organisation and is required with the grant application.
Under the 2007 scheme of grants for marriage, child and bereavement services, Retrovaille Ireland sought and received a grant of €15,000 towards the provision of marriage and relationship counselling.
