Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Being honest, I only have limited information, and the key piece of information I have concerning the questions the Deputy is asking is that the budget has been allocated. Additionally, regarding vulnerability and the vulnerability of children, the Government has co-funded family support practitioners for those families living in IPAS accommodation to support the pathway for integrated community-based child and family support services. These practitioners provide support to improve quality of life for families by promoting the personal, social and educational development of children, young people and their parents. Practitioners work in partnership with Tusla and other community-based services and agencies, including IPAS and the counselling in primary care, CIPC, service as well. Practitioners enable parents, guardians, carers and families to sustain the safe care of their children in the home setting. The plan is that there will be one of these practitioners in every Tusla area. I think there will be 17 in total, and some of these are in place now. This will improve the situation on the ground in direct provision centres.

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