Family Resource Centres

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 May 2021

Thursday, 20 May 2021

Ceisteanna (294)

Martin Browne

Ceist:

294. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to address the concerns of family resource centres that they will not have enough space to provide group activities given the impact of Covid-19; the assistance that will be provided to ensure they comply with all health and safety guidelines while continuing to be able to cater for service users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27122/21]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, is responsible for the administration of the Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme which involved the allocation of approximately €18m in 2020 towards the core costs of 121 existing FRCs.

My Department and Tusla have secured €0.62m in Dormant Accounts Funding for 2021 to support the Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme. This funding will allow established FRCs to carry out maintenance works, to purchase essential equipment and furnishings, and undertake additional works and service developments required to respond to the impact of COVID-19. Tusla will invite FRCs over the coming months in each area to make an application for funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund.

I appreciate the excellent work that FRCs have been providing to families and communities across Ireland. I recognise the effort FRCs have made over the past 14 months by continuing to make their services, physically and virtually, available during the COVID-19 pandemic.