Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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1462. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will consider the status of a community centre (details supplied) in County Kildare as a family resource centre in view of the low level of such centres in County Kildare and the work that is carried out at the centre; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36439/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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Tusla, the Child and Family Agency administers the Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme. Under the Programme, Tusla provides financial support towards the running costs of Family Resource Centres nationwide. This typically covers the employment of two to three members of staff and some overhead costs. FRCs provide a range of universal and targeted services and development opportunities that address the needs of families.

The Deputy will already be aware that there are currently two FRCs in County Kildare in receipt of funding under the FRC Programme. These centres are based in Newbridge and the Curragh.

As the FRC Programme is managed by Tusla, it is a matter for that organisation to make decisions regarding the inclusion or non-inclusion of Family Resource Centres to the Programme. Tusla has advised that voluntary groups are welcome to submit expressions of interest to join the Family Resource Centre Programme. However, admission to the FRC Programme is subject to competing demands and the availability of funding.

I recognise that County Kildare has experienced a significant increase in its population base, and that there is a strong demand for services in the area. If additional funds are sought by Tusla and allocated to the Programme in the future, there will be scope for Tusla to review matters. It is not possible, at this early stage, to predict the level of funding that will be available for the Family Resource Programme in 2018.