Written answers

Wednesday, 8 July 2015

Department of Children and Youth Affairs

Family Resource Centres

Photo of Ruth CoppingerRuth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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23. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on the ongoing opposition among the local community to the dismissal of a person at a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 5, which has resulted in a widespread boycott of the centre and demands for an annual general meeting that would allow for a new board of management to be elected, and for the person's re-instatement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27356/15]

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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The Family Resource Centre referred to by the Deputy is funded by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Family resource centres are independent companies limited by guarantee and are managed by a Voluntary Board of Management representative of the local community. In order to receive funding, the Family Resource Centres are required to have formal policies and procedures in place in relation to a number of areas, including Corporate Governance and Employment.

The decision to dismiss the person in question was made by the Voluntary Board of Management of this particular Resource Centre. Prior to this, Tusla had supported a number of efforts to address issues arising at the Centre over recent years. This included the appointment of an independent investigator in 2013 and, following the completion of the investigation in 2014, the appointment of an independent facilitator to progress matters. However, the Voluntary Board of Management has advised Tusla that over this period there were continuing difficulties.

The Voluntary Board of Management advised that regrettably, the Centre was closed temporarily due to ongoing difficulties in relation to this matter. Tusla met with the Voluntary Board of Management of the Centre on 20 May 2015 and was informed by the Board that the Centre had re opened and was operating normally.

I understand that an Interim Board has been set up with representation from other organisations working in the area. The Board will have an independent Chair. The new Interim Board met for the first time on 18 June 2015. The initial task is to address funding for the centre and the sustainability of the centre. The Board has agreed key areas of work for the next 6 to 12 months including: the recruitment of a new Project Manager; the recruitment and establishment of a new Board comprised of local people and other stakeholders following completion of court proceedings; dealing with legal issues; undertaking a needs analysis for the development of a three year plan to reflect the priorities of Tusla in relation to work that supports children and families; establishing a public relations sub-group to examine options to positively promote the Family Resource Centre.

Tusla intends to continue funding this Family Resource Centre and will work with the Centre to ensure that the needs of children and families in the community continue to be met.

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