Michael Cahill
Ceist:421. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to assist family resource centres (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33587/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 7 May 2026
Ceisteanna (421)
Freagraí scríofa
I can inform the Deputy that the Department has been provided with a copy of the Family Resource Centre National Forum pre-Budget submission.
I was very pleased that Budget 2026 measures allowed us to honour the current Programme for Government commitment to ‘Work to increase funding and expand the capacity and network of Family Resource Centres’. In this context funding was secured to provide for an increase in minimum core funding to a new base level of €180,000, up from the previous base level of €160,000. This benefitted a significant number of Family Resource Centre Programme members. Core funding is administered by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.
The Department also secured funding to allow for the expansion of the Family Resource Centre Programme in 2026, allowing Programme membership to grow from 126 members to 136 members, an increase in ten members. This followed the 2025 expansion from 121 members to 126 members. Recent increases in FRC Programme membership have been very welcome developments for an additional fifteen communities in need of the comprehensive range of services offered by Family Resource Centres.
In relation to the proposal for a capital funding stream, neither the Department nor Tusla currently have capital funding to support FRC infrastructure proposals, including refurbishing vacant or derelict buildings. Tusla does not have a dedicated budget for capital or building works for third party organisations.
On counselling and therapeutic supports, I want to acknowledge the range of supports that are offered through Family Resource Centres, and also to acknowledge the fact that centres can come under pressure as a result of high demand. Tusla continues to invest in counselling and therapeutic supports, and 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.
Clinical and Therapeutic Lead posts were established by Tusla in 2024 in a number of FRCs around the country, to ensure that there is a Clinical and Therapeutic Lead in all six Tusla regions. I understand that this initiative is working very well. The focus of the role includes providing clinical leadership, ensuring that quality services are developed and adapted to meet emerging and presenting needs in the region, and monitoring standards regarding clinical practice and good governance. Clinical Leads also deliver therapy services directly to clients.