Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Family resource centres play a really important role in communities across the country. I am personally convinced by the work they do in identifying and providing the services most needed by their communities. It is for this reason that the Government has provided additional funding of almost €3 million for family resource centres in 2018. As part of this allocation, I am pleased to confirm that additional funding of €10,000 will be made available to each family resource centre. Tusla will have discussions with centres about service needs, funding and staffing resources.

On the operation of family resource centres, the Deputy will be aware that they are independent organisations which are managed by voluntary boards of management which represent the local community. The centres operate independently of Tusla. Each centre is responsible for the recruitment of employees and the terms and conditions under which they are employed. The Deputy may also be aware that last week Tusla announced once-off funding for small capital works of €2.12 million for the 109 existing family resource centres.

I am placing strong emphasis on the development of capacity within the family resource centre programme next year. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, allocates funding to 109 family resource centres. I have provided funding for Tusla to increase this number by 11, bringing to 120 the number of family resource rentres that will be operational next year. Family resource centres are critical to prevention and early intervention. Through their services and engagement, they can spot potential difficulties for children and families before they emerge as serious issues. They support families and in so doing make an invaluable contribution to keeping children safe and well.

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