Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 September 2026
148. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will introduce a dedicated capital funding stream for family resource centres to acquire or build suitable accommodation or improve existing buildings. [69039/26]
View answer149. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her plans to increase funding available to family resource centres for therapy and counselling services in view of growing waiting lists; and to ensure timely access to support. [69037/26]
View answer150. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will introduce 255,000 euro core funding per family resource centre to meet staffing needs and operating costs. [69035/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 148, 149 and 150 together.
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.
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 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.
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.
