Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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900. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to address the need for greater supports and resources for family resource centres throughout the country; her views on Tusla's inadequate levels of support for such centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24273/16]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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Family Resource Centres have an important role in offering early intervention and support to families in difficulty. The level of funding provided in 2016 demonstrates the Government's support for child and family services around the country.

There are currently 108 communities supported through the Family Resource Centre Programme funded by Tusla. In 2016, Tusla is providing €13.5m in core funding to the Family Resource Centre Programme, an increase of some €422,000 over 2015. In addition, Tusla is providing funding of €595,000 to 75 Family Resource Centres for low cost counselling services under the Agency's Counselling Grants Scheme, an increase of €45,000 over the 2015 provision.

Family Resource Centres are supported by two Regional Support Agencies, which are funded by Tusla. These support agencies play a key role in promoting good practice, providing technical support, advice and training to Family Resource Centres.

Tusla also provides funding to the Family Resource Centre National Forum which is a support network working with all the Family Resource Centres throughout Ireland providing networking and training opportunities, and information and support.

Tusla intends to build on the strengths of the Family Resource Centre Programme in the years ahead in meeting its mandate for community-based early intervention and family support.