Family Resource Centres

Tuesday, 18 June 2024

Questions (61)

Pa Daly

Question:

61. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will consider recognising a facility (details supplied) as a family resource centre. [25724/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (Deputy Roderic O'Gorman)

I wish to inform the Deputy that Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, administers the Family Resource Centre Programme, which currently supports 121 Family Resource Centres throughout the country. At present, there are no plans to expand membership of the Programme. The commissioning of Family Resource Centres is an operational matter for Tusla, and subject to availability of funding. I am aware that Aiseanna na hÓige has expressed an interest in applying for Family Resource Centre status.

The Deputy may be aware that I recently brought forward a funding equalisation scheme for existing Family Resource Centres, which will ensure all Family Resource Centre Programme members will be in receipt of a minimum core funding level of €160,000 from 2025 onwards. This funding will support the pivotal role Family Resource Centres play in so many communities across the country by providing a comprehensive range of services tailored to individual community needs.

It is my intention to seek funding in Budget 2025 to increase the numbers of Family Resource Centres. Any expansion of the Programme will however, be dependent on the success of my Budget negotiations.

Organisations that wish to join the Family Resource Centre Programme are advised to contact Tusla in the first instance to highlight their interest in the Programme. In this context, I note that Aiseanna na hÓige have contacted Tusla making the case for the establishment of a Family Resource Centre. As you will appreciate, the Tusla National Commissioning Office receive frequent requests to become members of the Family Resource Centre Programme from organisations in various parts of the country. In the event the Family Resource Centre Programme is expanded, a transparent process will be established to ensure all applications are treated equitably. The Tusla Area Commissioning Plan will be a critical contribution to the decision-making process. Tusla’s aim is to utilise the total resources available to it in the most efficient, equitable, proportionate and sustainable way in order to improve outcomes for children, young people, and families.