Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)

As I said, it is a strong commitment from Government that we will increase the number of family resource centres. I am conscious of the need to improve the core funding that goes to the centres. I am very pleased that, in budget 2026, I am in a position to have secured funding that will ensure there will be an additional ten family resource centres. I am also in a position to say that I secured funding that will increase the €160,000 base that is provided for in core funding.

The great thing about family resource centres is that they do a multiplicity of work and provide a multiplicity of services. The door is open to everyone. Whatever the need might be, family resource centres, in my experience, will always find a way to meet that need. Whether that is education and training, supporting personal group development, offering practical assistance to individuals and community groups, such as to access technology or office facilities or whatever the case might be for the very young or older members or those at any age or stage in life, there is support to be found at the family resource centres. It is my ambition to ensure that we will provide a greater number of family resource centres and that we will also improve the funding to the resource centres.

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