Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am glad the Minister values the work of FRCs. He confirmed that funding has been maintained at 2014 level, but I alluded to a 15% cut in funding since 2011. FRCs are primarily located in disadvantaged areas. They have versatile and responsive staff who respond to the needs of their community, and they often intervene before problems manifest. During the summer, I met representatives of FRCs in my constituency - Ballynacarrigy, Granard, Ballymahon and Athlone - and one of the directors said they feel like they were sitting with a hatchet over their heads, never knowing when it will fall.

10 o’clock

Funding has been provided for rent and staff - they are not even fully staffed - but funding is still not in place for the services they provide. What is being stated is that while the service is being provided, people will be obliged to pay for it. In light of the additional funding, will money be ring-fenced for the family resource centres in the future? Will the Minister restore what was lost in the cuts suffered over the past four years? Will he put in place a firm commitment in order that these much-needed services are put on a sustainable footing into the future?

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