Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, United Left)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

369. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his views on proposals from the family resource centres, FRCs, that funding for the family resource programme is ring-fenced within the Túsla - Child and Family Agency programme; that funding is also secured to meet the basic operational costs of running FRCs; that FRC projects be funded to ensure each is resourced with three full-time-equivalent employees; ensuring the continuation of funding to support the family resource centre national forum, enabling FRCs to speak with one voice, access to suitable training through regional support agencies and the workforce development system and evaluation systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42498/15]

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

There are currently 109 communities supported through the Family Resource Centre Programme which is funded by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Tusla provides core funding to Family Resource Centres to cover the employment of two to three members of staff and some overhead costs. In 2015, Tusla provided €13.09 million in funding for the Family Resource Centre Programme.

Family Resource Centres (FRCs) are front-line services rooted in the community they serve. Acting as a focal point within their community, Family Resource Centres provide a holistic service of child, family and community support and advocacy to all children and families in their community. While Family Resource Centres operate an open-door policy and provide many services and development opportunities at a universal level, they also proactively target specific cohorts within their communities.

In addition to funding individual Family Resource Centres in 2015, Tusla also provided €60,000 in funding to the Family Resource Centre National Forum (FRCNF) to assist it in providing support to Family Resource Centres around the country.

The Family Resource Centre National Forum is recognised as a valuable asset in the overall operation of the Family Resource Centre Programme. It ensures a representative voice at national level and coherence within the programme. Meetings are held with Tusla on a regular basis to discuss issues of common concern. In recognition of the valuable contribution the Family Resource Centre National Forum makes to the work of Family Resource Centres, Tusla will continue to provide funding to the Forum.

In recent months the National Forum met with Tusla’s Chief Operations Officer to whom they outlined the key priority areas that they believe are critical for their continued development as a valuable support service to the Programme. Tusla has welcomed the key proposals outlined by the Forum.

As the Deputy will be aware, I announced a significant increase in the funding allocation to Tusla for next year. Tusla will have available to it some €676 million in funding, representing an increase of €38 million (5%) over 2015.

The precise level of funding to be provided to Family Support Services for next year will now be 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.