Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Certainly, we are keen to do that. Deputy Troy also raised the drop in the budget in the early intervention schemes and I wish to explain the position to him. There was a drop this year because the contractual arrangements came to an end. The contract with the philanthropic organisations had come to a natural end and this is what has been reflected rather than a reduction in the service. We have given extra money. Deputy Troy referred to Tallaght. We have given an extra €250,000 this year to the Tallaght project to enable it to continue, a significant amount. I am examining how we can continue with the other projects referred to in Ballymun and Darndale. The key point about these projects is to take the research from them. Apart from giving direct provision in these areas, they were set up to evaluate the various services they offered. We have had several reports, many of which are positive but some of which show that some of the interventions have not worked and that we should not continue with them. We must take the findings from this research and implement them in a mainstream way. I am examining how we can continue the projects in so far as possible. It is a programme for Government commitment which I would like to be able to keep. However, substantial money is involved and it may be that we will have to spend less money in some areas, perhaps the research area. We may be unable to continue funding it to the degree we have done to date. Several research projects are under way at present.

There are ongoing court cases relating to the referendum and, therefore, I believe it would be better if I did not comment on the particular questions because the matter is sub judice.
I hope I have answered Deputy Ó Caoláin's question on the agency and legislation. We are moving ahead with a range of issues, including the budget, the recruitment of the senior team, the management of the team and the negotiations and the preparation of the legislation. There is ongoing contact and communication with all the staff with regard to their transfer. They will all receive letters, probably next week, with details. Most of the staff have been informed of their movement from the HSE to the new agency. We have taken a Government decision to the effect that in the first instance the move will involve the child and family support agency, educational welfare staff and community psychologists and all these staff will come together. The taskforce recommended that some other professional groups should work under the agency as well but some of that is for a later stage and will involve complex negotiations with the Department of Health in respect of primary care and other issues that arise. There will be a dedicated budget subhead for the new agency.

Deputy Ó Caoláin made a point about the Family Support Agency. There are 106 centres and there will be no change in the numbers. There has been no change in the numbers since 2008. There are 257 staff employed. A 5% per annum reduction will be required to find the necessary savings. The funding we give provides for the employment of core staff and it covers some overhead costs. Some staff in the family resource centres have taken pay cuts in recent years although not all. Last year the agency undertook a review of the funding. An examination is under way by the agency of the family resource centres to determine how they are spending and what services they are providing. I have asked for that report and I understand it is due in December. I would be pleased to share the report when it comes in terms of the review of the work. It will go to the agency board on 17 December. The board is planning for the change.