Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The Deputy has flagged the needs of Youghal with me on a number of occasions. Our Department, working with Tusla, will set out an application process based on metrics. It will look at the need in a particular area, the demographics that are served and detailed CSO-type information.

From my constituency and other areas, I know the significant benefits family resource centres can bring to a particular area and the additional support they bring to children and families in terms of early years and therapy services. Last year, we funded the roll-out of a therapist lead in eight pilot sites all over the country and this is delivering real benefits. This is another form of additional support we would like to roll out further. There will be an application process that will be very much metrics-based and I have no doubt that organisations around the country will come together and make applications on behalf of their community.

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