John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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604. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if, in view of the increased funding of 5.5% to €712.9 million to Tusla, she will ensure that funding of €21 million is made available to the family resource centres to cover their programme costs for 2017 as identified by the FRC national forum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31519/16]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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As the Deputy is aware, I recently announced a significant increase in the funding allocation to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency for next year. Tusla will have available to it some €713 million in funding, representing an increase of €37 million over 2016. The precise level of funding to be allocated in 2017 to the Family Resource Centre Programme will be considered by Tusla in preparing its Business Plan for next year, which will be submitted to me for consideration.

There are currently 109 communities supported through the Family Resource Centre Programme which is funded by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. The Family Resource Centre Programme is a national programme with its own dedicated budget. Tusla provides core funding to Family Resource Centres to cover the employment of two to three members of staff and some overhead costs. In 2016, Tusla provided €13.5m in funding for the Family Resource Centre Programme.

I recognise and value the very positive impact of the work of Family Resource Centres in supporting families and local communities. The Centres provide a holistic service of child, family and community support and advocacy to all children and families in their communities. This universal accessibility allows for early identification of need, provision of appropriate interventions, and timely referrals to appropriate services for more intensive and targeted work as required.

I can assure the Deputy that I will continue to support the work of the Family Support Centres and the targeting of available resources at those services which make the greatest impact on vulnerable children and families.