James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As stated previously, on its establishment on 1 January 2014, Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, took over responsibility for the family resource centre programme which was operated by the then Family Support Agency. Tusla is spending €13.09 million in 2015 in supporting 109 family resource centres nationwide, and as I stated earlier, funding has been maintained this year at 2014 levels. Tusla very much values the work of the resource centres and recognises the positive impact of their work in supporting families and local communities. Family resource centres provide an holistic service of child, family and community support as well as advocacy to children and families in their communities. I welcome Tusla's intent to improve and build on the strengths of the family resource centre programme in meeting its mandate for community-based early intervention and family support.

As the Deputy will be aware, I announced a significant increase in the funding allocation for Tusla for next year. Tusla will have available to it approximately €676 million in funding, representing an increase of €38 million over 2015. The precise level of funding to be provided for family resource centres now will be considered by Tusla in developing its business plan for 2016, which will be sent to me for consideration. Since its establishment, the Government has attached particular priority to supporting vulnerable children and families and the significant increase in funding being made available to Tusla next year represents further evidence of its delivery of this intention.

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