Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2018
59. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the way in which €160,000 in funding was allocated to the new family resource centres in view of the fact that existing centres operate with less funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18608/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla, the Child and Family Agency, administers the Family Resource Centre Programme.
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.
At the end of 2017 there were 109 Family Resource Centres in receipt of funding from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Tusla was provided with additional funding of €3m in 2018 to expand the programme with the inclusion of 11 additional centres, bringing the total number of Family Resource Centres to 120.
Funding for individual Family Resource Centres differs, depending on a range of factors, including:
- the size and population of the catchment area,
- the degree of economic disadvantage in the area, and
- the existing distribution of services in the area.
Additional funding of up to €10,000 is also being allocated to existing Family Resource Centres this year. This is in addition to once-off funding of €2.120m distributed at the end of 2017 to existing centres for the purchase of equipment and minor capital works.
It is not possible at this stage to advise on what level of funding will be available to the Family Resource Centre Programme in 2019. However, I can assure the Deputy that I very much value the work of Family Resource Centres across the country and I will continue to support the centres in the valuable work they do, working with vulnerable children and families, particularly in areas of disadvantage.
