Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 October 2019
296. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the breakdown of the increased allocation of funding provided to Tusla for 2020; if this increase will be reflected in funding disbursed to community and voluntary organisations funded under section 56 of the Child and Family Agency Act 2013; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42836/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing Budget 2020, I am pleased to announce that Tusla, the Child and Family Agency's funding allocation will be €814m next year, an increase 4% on 2019. This underlines my commitment to supporting Tusla, as Ireland's first dedicated State agency for the protection and welfare of children.
This funding will:
- meet increasing demand for existing services and continue to improve overall service performance,
- continue the progress made to reduce the number of children awaiting the allocation of a social worker, and
- address significant cost pressures being experienced in residential care.
Arising from Budget 2020, I will shortly be issuing Tusla with its Performance Statement for 2020 in line with the provisions of the Child and Family Agency Act, 2013. Tusla will, in response to the Performance Statement, prepare a Business Plan for 2020 which will be submitted to me for consideration.
The precise level of funding to be allocated to community and voluntary organisations will be considered by Tusla, in preparing its Business Plan, having regard to the overall level of funding available in 2020, which will exceed €800m.
