Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)
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23. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will rescind the decision by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, to cease funding to the south Tipperary Lone Parent Initiative; the reason for the cessation; how this decision supports his previous assertions that lone parent families would be supported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20499/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Tusla has been tasked with improving outcomes and well being for children and young people. In this regard, the Agency must ensure that it makes the most efficient use of its resources in a way that is efficient, equitable, proportionate and sustainable.

In reviewing the make up of current services, Tusla is seeking to address any identified gaps in services, to avoid duplication and to support effective delivery of frontline services nationally. Tusla has advised that the work undertaken by the Lone Parent Initiative in South Tipperary is already largely undertaken by other agencies funded in the area and also by Tusla's own outreach team. In the circumstances, Tusla is obliged to ensure that there is no duplication of services and that available funding is used in the most cost effective manner.

I am advised by Tusla that they have met with the Lone Parent Initiative over recent months to engage with them and to provide a context to the emerging approach in South Tipperary.

Having regard to the range of service options in the area and the roll out of Tusla's Prevention, Partnership and Family Support programme, a decision was made by Tusla to discontinue funding to this project from June 2015. The project received funding from Tusla of €43,353 in 2014.