Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 February 2017
64. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to review and increase the number of family resource centres in County Kildare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7029/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI very much value the role that Family Resource Centres play in providing support to vulnerable children and families around the country. Tusla provides financial support to some 109 communities through the Family and Community Services Resource Centre Programme. This typically covers the employment of two to three members of staff and some overhead costs. In 2016, Tusla provided €13.5m in core funding under the Programme. Also, in December, 2016, and in recognition of the valuable work that the Family Resource Centres do, Tusla provided additional once-off funding of €1.422m to the centres. This additional funding, which was in the form of minor capital assistance, allowed for the upgrade of equipment and other remedial works at centres.
Last November, I met with representatives from the Kildare Youth Service, Kildare Children and Young People's Service Committee, Kildare Local Community Development Committee and the Tusla Area Manager in relation to the provision of services to children and young people in Co. Kildare.
At that meeting, I was informed of a number of issues including a request for the provision of additional Family Resource Centres in Co. Kildare. I advised the Co. Kildare representatives at the meeting to submit a Business Case to Tusla in relation to the establishment of new Family Resource Centres in the County as Tusla provides financial support to Family Resource Centres under its Family and Community Services Resource Centre Programme.
Tusla plans to build on the strengths of the programme in the years ahead to deliver its mandate for community-based early intervention and family support.
Tusla is currently finalising details of the funding to be allocated to the Family and Community Services Resource Centre Programme, and will be confirming funding levels for individual centres shortly.
