Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1636. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if Tusla plans to engage with a union (details supplied) regarding its representation of family resource centres to the WRC on the issue of better pay and conditions. [36966/17]

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

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency provides funding to support the work of a large number of Family Resource Centres throughout the country. This funding is provided under an annual Service Level Agreement, and is by way of a contribution towards the running costs of the centres.

Family Resource Centres are independent companies limited by guarantee and are managed by a Voluntary Board of Management which is representative of the local community. They operate independently of Tusla. Each individual Family Resource Centre is responsible for the recruitment of employees and the terms and conditions under which they are employed.

Tusla very much values the work of Family Resource Centres and recognises the positive impact of their work in supporting families and local communities around the country. Family Resource Centres provide a holistic service of child, family and community support and advocacy to children and families in their communities.

Lisa Chambers (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1637. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her Department's approach and plans to ensure the future sustainability of family resource centres. [36967/17]

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

There are over 100 Family Resource Centres currently in receipt of funding from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Tusla provides funding to the centres under an annual Service Level Agreement. This funding is provided by way of a contribution towards the running costs of the centres. The 2017 Tusla allocation to Family Resource Centres is €13.512 million.

Family Resource Centres are front-line services rooted in the communities they serve. Acting as a focal point within their communities, Family Resource Centres provide a holistic service of child, family and community support and advocacy to all children and families in their communities. 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.

Tusla fully appreciates the role that Family Resource Centres play in offering early intervention support to families in difficulty.

It is not possible at this stage to advise on what level of funding will be made available by Tusla to Family Resource Centres in 2018. This issue will be clarified in the context of the annual Estimates process and having regard to the overall level of funding available to Tusla in 2018.