Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
39. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her Department is aware of the additional demands being put on the family resource network from other Government and non-Government agencies; her plans to support this additional work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [73395/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that I have not been made aware of any specific additional demands being put on the family resource network from other Government and non-Government agencies. Tusla provides core funding for the Family Resource Programme and in addition funds the Family Resource Centres for the provision of specific services and supports. I am aware that the services provided by Family Resource Centres cut across the policy and operational areas of a number of Government Departments and it is the responsibility of the relevant departments to ensure that they fund the Family Resource Centres for the provision of these services.
I have witnessed first-hand the impacts that Family Resource Centres have on the communities that they serve, engaging with vulnerable families, offering services to individuals across the whole life cycle from early years to senior citizens and, crucially, fostering a positive and inclusive community spirit. The range of services includes:
• The provision of information, advice and support to target groups and families.
• Acting as a focal point for onward referrals to mainstream service providers.
• Delivering education courses and training opportunities.
• The establishment and running of new community groups to meet local needs, and the delivery of services at local level (for example, childcare facilities, after-school clubs, men’s groups).
• The provision of counselling and support to individuals and groups.
• Developing capacity and leadership within communities.
• Supporting personal and group development.
• Offering practical assistance to individuals and community groups, such as access to information technology and office facilities.
• Providing community groups with help with organisational structures, assistance with accessing funding, or advice on how to address specific social issues.
• Supporting networking within the community.
• Supporting Ukrainian recipients of Temporary Protection, and International Protection Applicants.
This list is far from exhaustive, with services determined by the needs of the relevant communities. It is important to note that many services are delivered at no-cost or low-cost to families who otherwise might not be able to access them.
Regarding my support for the work of Family Resource Centres, the Deputy will be aware that the Family Resource Centre Programme expanded from 121 to 126 members this year. Funding for this expansion was secured by the Department in Budget 2025. In line with the Programme for Government commitment to work to increase funding and expand the capacity and network of Family Resource Centres, I was delighted to secure additional funding in Budget 2026 for further expansion of the Family Resource Centre Programme, increasing membership by ten to 136. This will see more people benefitting from the many positives that the centres can bring to communities. I expect Tusla to be in a position in the near future to confirm the locations of the additional Family Resource Centres.
In addition to the expansion of the Family Resource Centre Programme, a funding equalisation scheme was initiated by the Department in 2024. This ensured that all Programme members received minimum core funding of at least €160,000 from 2025 onwards. Core funding principally covers the salaries of staff, along with some operational costs. Core funding increases in 2026 were subsequently secured as part of Budget 2026. This will see core funding increase to a minimum of €180,000 across the programme, benefitting a significant number of services. In effect, all Family Resource Centres will be in receipt of a minimum of €180,000 in core funding, up from €160,000.
Finally, I want to acknowledge the various supports and funding streams that the Family Resource Centre Programme members are able to access, and the work that the centres do in applying for funding and in delivering associated programmes of activity.
