Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 October 2013
558. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the criteria for selection, designated terms of service and terms and conditions regarding individual membership/service on the management committees of family resource centres as set down by the key funder, the Family Resource Agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40052/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Family Support Agency is responsible for the support, promotion and development of the Family and Community Services Resource Centre Programme. The Programme provides funding and support to 106 Family Resource Centres (FRCs) around the country. The aim of the programme is to combat disadvantage and improve the functioning of the family unit.
Family Resource Centres are governed by Voluntary Boards of Directors. The Family Support Agency does not have specific criteria for selection or designated terms of service for the appointment of Voluntary Board of Directors. However, the FRCs contract with the Family Support Agency states that “members of the Board of Directors should be drawn predominantly from the community of intended beneficiaries and shall consist of people who have first-hand experience of poverty and disadvantage in their own lives”. Thus, members of the community should be able to express an interest in representing a target group and putting themselves forward for nomination to the Voluntary Board of Directors. Target groups can include families, parents, lone parents, children, youth, teens at risk, families affected by addiction, ethnic groups, people with disabilities, carers, unemployed, early school leavers, survivors of domestic abuse, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities and the elderly.
Each FRC is an independent company limited by guarantee. The Articles of Association of the Centre outlines the terms and conditions regarding individual membership/service on the management committees including minimum and maximum number of members of the Voluntary Board of Directors.
