Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

373. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she is aware of the range of services being provided by a family support centre (details supplied) and the growing demand for those services; if additional funding will be made available to meet the immediate need for additional staffing resources; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12207/16]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Family support centres provide a range of activities that strengthen positive informal social networks through community based programmes and services. The main focus of services is on early intervention aiming to promote and protect the health, well-being of children, young people and their families.

Tusla has advised that it is aware of the Family Support Centre referred to by the Deputy and the range of services it provides. In 2015, the Centre received funding of €1,560 in March and additional once off funding of €7,000 in November last to defray some of the costs associated with moving to a new purpose built premises. Tusla has allocated funding of €7,000 this year to the centre. The Tusla Area Manager had met with the Centre's Board of Directors in April to discuss the Centre's application for funding this year.

Tusla recognises the work carried out by the centre and will continue to support it, in so far as is possible, having regard to available funding.