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Family Resource Centres

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 January 2016

Wednesday, 27 January 2016

Ceisteanna (127, 128, 129)

Michael P. Kitt

Ceist:

127. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he is aware that family resource centres have stated that they have to raise funds to cover the cost of light, heat, rent and so on in addition to raising funds for programmes and services; if he will address this barrier to providing prevention and early intervention work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3344/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Michael P. Kitt

Ceist:

128. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to ensure more funding for all projects under the family resource programme, so that each centre can employ three full-time equivalent staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3345/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Michael P. Kitt

Ceist:

129. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if his Department will retain the national aspect of the family resource centre programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3346/16]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 to 129, inclusive, together.

There are currently 109 communities supported through the Family Resource Centre Programme which is funded by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. The Family Resource Centre Programme is a national programme with its own dedicated budget. Tusla provides core funding to Family Resource Centres to cover the employment of two to three members of staff and some overhead costs. In 2015, Tusla provided €13.09m in funding for the Family Resource Centre Programme.

Family Resource Centres (FRCs) are front-line services rooted in the communities they serve. Acting as a focal point within their communities, Family Resource Centres provide a holistic service of child, family and community support and advocacy to all children and families in their communities. While Family Resource Centres operate an open-door policy and provide many services and development opportunities at a universal level, they also proactively target specific cohorts within their communities.

Tusla fully appreciates the role that Family Resource Centres play in offering early intervention support to families in difficulty. Tusla has advised that it intends to build on the strengths of the FRC Programme in the years ahead in meeting its mandate for community-based early intervention and family support. The Agency recognises the benefits that additional funding can bring to an FRC. Tusla has also advised that it intends to review the funding and resource allocation model as it applies to Family Resource Centres this year. This review will take account of any significant resource pressures, should they arise.

As the Deputy will be aware, I announced a significant increase in the funding allocation to Tusla for this year. Tusla has available to it some €676 million in funding, representing an increase of €38 million over 2015. This increase in funding will allow Tusla to address critical shortcomings such as the number of children and families awaiting services.

Following recent approval of the Tusla Business Plan for 2016, Tusla has advised that the precise level of funding to be provided to Family Support Centres will be communicated in the near future.

The Government, since its establishment, has attached particular priority to supporting vulnerable children and families and the significant increase in funding being made available to Tusla this year represents further evidence of our delivery on this ambition.

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