Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 May 2012
169 Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if his attention has been drawn to the status of discussions between Coillte and a group (details supplied) in County Kildare for the purchase of land; if he will provide an update on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26099/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraCoillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as mentioned by the Deputy, are the responsibility of the company.
170 Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress on the transfer of the Family Support Agency to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs; the amount of funding provided to the Family Support Agency in each of the past three years; the numbers of staff and their roles within the Family Support Agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25971/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Family Support Agency (FSA) was established by way of primary legislation in 2001. The FSA became an agency of my Department in 2011. In the last three yeas, the approved level of funding for the FSA was as follows:
2011 —€28.455m
2010 —€30.949m
2009 —€35.981m
At present, the Agency consists of a total of 13 staff. This includes 1 Acting CEO, 2 Assistant Principals, 3 Higher Executive Officers, 4 Executive Officers and 3 Clerical Officers.The Family Support Agency operates the Scheme of Grants to voluntary organisations providing marriage and relationship, child and bereavement counselling services and the Family Resource Centre Programme. The functions of the FSA will form part of the new Child and Family Support Agency to which the Government is committed.
