Aisling Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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I thank the witnesses for being here and for the opening statement. It was difficult to choose what topics to raise with them because their remit is so broad and important. We will see how many I get through. I might take the questions one by one, allow the witnesses to answer and then move on.

It is clear to everyone that early intervention is key for child care and welfare. Early intervention here means pre-birth in many cases, where vulnerable, pregnant women need intervention. I think much of that can be done through family resource centres. I know Tusla works with resource centres. Could the witnesses expand on that? Do they see increased funding being given to family resource centres to provide services like counselling? Trim Family Resource Centre is fantastic. It is basically in every element of the community. It is trusted and well positioned to offer services such as counselling. We all know that is a priority area for anyone working in the child services sector. Access to mental health, CAMHS waiting lists and so on are difficult issues. I ask the witnesses to expand on those issues.