Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Renua Ireland)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

149. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if funding for a counselling service (details supplied) in Dublin 13 will be reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42189/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The service in question receives funding from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, for the following activities:

· Marriage/Couple Counselling

· Child Counselling

· Bereavement Counselling

· Bereavement Support

The organisation received funding of €49,600 in 2015 from Tusla.

Tusla values the work of counselling organisations and recognises the positive contribution that this service makes in supporting families and local communities.

As the Deputy will be aware, I announced a significant increase in Tusla’s funding allocation for 2016. Tusla will have available to it an increase of €38 million, or over 5.0%, on the allocation for 2015.

The precise level of funding to be provided to particular services is now being considered by Tusla in developing its Business Plan for 2016, which will be sent to me for consideration.

The Government, since its establishment, has attached particular priority to supporting vulnerable children and families and the significant increase in funding being made available to Tusla next year represents further evidence of our delivery on this ambition.