John Curran
Ceist:977. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the criteria used when deciding the location of a family resource centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54346/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 15 January 2019
Ceisteanna (977, 978)
John Curran
Ceist:978. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the criteria used when deciding the funding allocation to a family resource centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [54347/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 977 and 978 together.
Tusla, the Child and Family Agency administers the Family Resource Centre Programme. At the end of 2017 there were 109 Family Resource Centres (FRCs) in receipt of funding from Tusla. My Department provided Tusla with additional funding of €3.0 m in 2018 to expand the programme with the inclusion of 11 additional centres, bringing the total number of Family Resource Centres to 120.
The methodology and criteria considered in selecting 11 new FRCs from the list of applicants included the size and make-up of the geographical area; the social and economic conditions of the specified area; and the overall population breakdown of the area that would be serviced by the centre. The criteria also considered the structure of the organisation(s) applying to the Programme; their objectives, targets, and current relationships with other organisations; and the inclusion of available research, community projects, and needs assessments with the application.
Decisions by Tusla in relation to the funding of individual FRCs have regard to the location, size and catchment area of each centre. The process aims to be equitable and transparent. All decisions are made to ensure that available resources are applied to improving outcomes for children and families nationally in the most efficient, effective, equitable, proportionate and sustainable way.
Tusla also considers Area Commissioning Plans, Children and Young People's Service Committee plans, and other available evidence, to ensure that the allocated funding targets those children and families that are most in need.
It is important that the needs of children and families are met in the best way possible, particularly in areas of disadvantage. I will continue to support the work of Family Resource Centres and family support services throughout the country.