Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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20. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her Department will accept an application for a resource centre at a site (details supplied) in County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8865/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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Following recent clarification with the Deputy's office, I understand that the Deputy is querying if the organisation referred to, has applied to join the Family Resource Centre Programme.

On Budget Day, I was pleased to announce that additional resources of almost €3.0m were secured to support the inclusion of an additional 11 community organisations to the Family resource Centre Programme in 2018 and to support existing centres.

Tusla administers the Family Resource Centre Programme, and opened applications to the programme on 23rd October, 2017. The final deadline for receipt of these applications was 20th December, 2017.

Tusla has advised that it has received a joint application which includes the organisation referred to by the Deputy.

Tusla is currently reviewing all applications that were received within the specified application period. Applicants will be notified of the outcome of the assessment in March 2018.

Family support is a priority for me, and the increased level of funding for Family Resource Centres in 2018 reflects this. I will continue to support Tusla in its work with Family Resource Centres around the country.