Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 May 2026
912. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to give consideration to the Family Resource Centre National Forum Pre-Budget Submission (details supplied) as Family Resource Centres provide an invaluable service to their communities and there has been a substantial rise in demand for their services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34613/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther to my response to Parliamentary Question 33587/26, provided on 7th May 2026 in relation to this matter, I wish to reiterate my support for the work of the Family Resource Centre Programme members, having witnessed first-hand the benefits that the centres bring to their communities.
I have previously indicated that in the next series of Budget negotiations I will have a mind to the Family Resource Centre Programme and any measures that can be put in place to further support the Programme and the valuable work that it does, with a view to building on recent achievements related to core funding and Programme expansion, and in line with the relevant Programme for Government commitment.
The Family Resource Centre Programme is a community development programme that is financially supported by many State agencies in a partnership approach. Centres may draw on various sources of funding provided by other Government Departments, agencies and private sources. I would encourage the centres to engage with these sources if they have not already done so previously. Any additional funding streams secured will allow for a service to further embed itself in its community by meeting the specific needs identified within that community. This is a flexibility that all FRCs are encouraged to leverage, to reflect the diverse range of potential funders for services an FRC may provide, beyond services to children and families. I want to acknowledge the work that the centres do in applying for funding from these sources on an ongoing basis, and in delivering associated programmes of activity.
