Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy is right in what he said that they can be the heart and soul and can be designed in such a way that they really respond to the nuances of a community, because communities' needs are not always the same. It is a real opportunity when a new application process is opened. The Deputy is well entitled to stand here and advocate for the Cabra centre, especially when, as he said himself, it will be highly competitive. Cabra is as deserving as anywhere else in the country.

The Deputy is right that these will have to be backed up. I am sure Department officials will look at all the applications, facts, deprivation, needs and perhaps new communities living in the area. All that must be taken into account.

Teach Na nDaoine in Monaghan town is another exemplar, if I was to use one, for what it can achieve. There is even a community shop there along with educational services and many wrap-around services as well as after-school services. If there are any new ideas, the centre is doing it. I encourage the Deputy's group in Cabra to go to Monaghan and have a chat with the centre there. It has been on the go for 20 years so it has hit all the loopholes and different challenges. For community groups to get something like this up and running is not easy but as the Deputy said himself - and I am telling him here tonight - there is a great opportunity with the scheme just newly opened and money set aside and ring-fenced for it. The Minister, Deputy Foley, has her heart and soul behind these centres because there is one in her own community too. She feels very strongly for them and I am sure if she could roll out ten in one year, she would.

I wish the Deputy well in advocating for Cabra and as I said, throwing his weight behind it and standing up for the community there I am sure will go a long way in ensuring it gets its family resource centre.

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