Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
677. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the measures being considered by her Department to support family resource centres in Budget 2027; if consideration is being given to increasing the minimum core funding available to family resource centres; to provide a dedicated capital funding stream; to increase investment in counselling and therapeutic supports; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [68465/26]
View answerI outlined in a response to the Deputy earlier this month that following on from core funding increases and the expansion of the Family Resource Centre Programme in 2026, made possible through Budget 2026 funding, I will continue to pursue the expansion of the Family Resource Centre Programme through the budgetary process and in line with the Programme for Government commitment to work to increase funding and expand the capacity and network of Family Resource Centres. Improvements to core funding for Family Resource Centres will also remain under consideration.
I was very pleased that Budget 2026 measures allowed us to honour the Programme for Government commitment in respect of Family Resource Centres, enabling us to increase core funding and also to facilitate the expansion of the Family Resource Centre Programme to 136 members. These measures have benefitted communities currently served by a Family Resource Centre, along with a number of communities that have seen the establishment of a new centre.
In relation to the proposal for a dedicated capital funding stream, neither the Department nor Tusla currently have capital funding to support Family Resource Centre infrastructure proposals, including the building of new or refurbishment or extension of existing Family Resource Centres, or refurbishing vacant or derelict buildings. Tusla does not have a dedicated budget for capital or building works for third party organisations. Capital funding may be accessible through relevant local authority mechanisms, or Government schemes such as Rural Integrated Development schemes operated by the Department of Rural and Community Development.
I was however very pleased to announce earlier in September a €1.36 million once-off capital investment in Ireland’s network of 136 Family Resource Centres, with each FRC Programme member to receive €10,000 to support locally identified capital, premises, equipment, ICT and infrastructure priorities. This builds on the Government’s significant investment in the Family Resource Centre Programme.
On counselling and therapeutic supports, I want to acknowledge the range of supports that are offered through Family Resource Centres. Tusla continues to invest in counselling and therapeutic supports. It recognises that Family Resource Centres are able to reach clients who, in many cases, would not be able to access such services, which are delivered at low to no-cost to the recipients. These supports have a strong focus on early intervention, affordability, and a holistic approach to mental health and well-being for all ages. I was pleased that over the last number of years the Department secured additional funding for family support services counselling providers around the country, many of which were Family Resource Centres. I hope to see this investment continuing.
