Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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452. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he has received representations from the Family Resource Centre National Forum seeking to discuss recent changes by Tusla-Child and Family Agency to structures and funding; if he will grant these requests, given the invaluable service these groups provide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34304/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm that I have received representations from the Family Resource Centre National Forum (FRCNF). I have also received representations in relation to funding from a number of Family Resource Centres (FRCs) around the country.

The Family Resource Centre National Forum highlighted its wish to discuss a number of issues including recent changes by Tusla to structures and funding amongst other matters. The issues raised were more appropriate for discussion with Tusla as the statutory service provider. Subsequently, Tusla had a productive meeting with the Forum on 7 July.

Following the meeting, Tusla requested the Forum to document its concerns in the form of a position paper for submission to Tusla. I understand that this paper is awaited.

Funding provided by Tusla to support Family Resource Centres around the country has been maintained this year at 2014 levels. The 2016 provision will be informed by the outcome of the estimates process.

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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453. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he and his officials are aware that a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 24 may have to close in December 2015 due to lack of funding; if he was requested to provide funding; his plans to take action to prevent its closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34370/15]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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454. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he is aware that a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 24 may have to close in December due to lack of funding; if he was requested to provide funding; the actions he plans to prevent its closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34403/15]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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455. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he is aware that a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 24 may have to close in December 2015 due to lack of funding; if he has been requested to provide funding; the actions he plans to prevent its closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34404/15]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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464. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he is aware that a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 24 may have to close in December 2015 due to lack of funding; if he has been requested to provide funding; the actions he plans to take to prevent its closure because of its negative impact on children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34405/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 453 to 455, inclusive, and 464 together.

The Centre referred to by the Deputy provides accommodation for women and children who may have been in emergency accommodation provided by domestic violence refuges. I understand that the Centre was established independently of the State. It opened in 2012 and has been funded by Respond Housing Association.

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency allocates available funding for domestic violence to emergency refuge accommodation services and community-based domestic violence supports.

I am advised that the Centre does not operate as a front line emergency domestic violence service, rather it provides 'step down' or 'transitional' accommodation to support a transition into a permanent settled home. This can include survivors of domestic violence who are transitioning from emergency services to a new, permanent home.

Officials from my Department and Tusla recently met with Respond, at the housing association’s request, to discuss the situation in the Centre. The Department sought additional information from Respond, including information in relation to the housing association's financial well being. The most recent information provided indicates that Respond, which is made up of two companies, remains in good financial health.

I hope that the matter can be satisfactorily resolved, by allowing sufficient time for all avenues to be explored by the relevant parties. This will need to include discussion with other parties, including the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government as it would appear that these families have pressing housing needs.