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Family Resource Centres

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 July 2022

Tuesday, 26 July 2022

Ceisteanna (1394)

Alan Dillon

Ceist:

1394. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps being taken to support organisations wishing to establish new family resource centres; if a capital funding scheme to build new family resource centres will be put in place; the supports that may be offered in the interim to groups such as an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41272/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

You may already be aware, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, administers the Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme which provides funding support to 121 FRCs across the country. My Department allocates core funding for the FRC Programme and since 2018 has provided an additional €4.5m bringing Tusla's core budget to €18.0m for FRCs. Tusla also provided supports to FRCs and other funded Community and Voluntary partners to assist with pressures arising from COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, Tusla received €0.650m funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund; which was distributed through the FRC programme. Also in 2021, this Department provided €6.2m (a once off 5% increase in funding to organisations engaged as 'service providers' under section 56 of the Children and Family Act, 2013). In 2022, additional funding of €6.0m is allocated to enable Tusla increase supports to the wider Community and Voluntary sector.

The commissioning of FRCs is an operational matter for Tusla. Tusla’s Area Managers engage in the commissioning process and participate in meetings and discussions with community and voluntary agencies. Tusla aims to utilise the total resources available in the most efficient, equitable, proportionate and sustainable way in order to improve outcomes for children, young people, and families. Local Tusla Area Managers and the Tusla Commissioning Team can be contacted in relation to FRCs' planned service delivery and potential to develop services.

Organisations that wish to join the Programme are advised to contact Tusla in the first instance, with regard to the potential next steps. I understand that currently, there are no plans to expand the FRC Programme or to establish new funding schemes for the Programme in the immediate future.

My Department has shared your question with Tusla, should any further information become available, I will share that with you.

Tusla continues to work with community-based family support organisations, including the seven FRCs in County Mayo, to best meet the needs of vulnerable children, families and communities. Tusla currently provides additional resources to Castlebar FRC for the employment of a community-based outreach family support worker who operates in the Erris area. Tusla continues to actively engage with the Erris area, including in the establishment of a new Youth Project.

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