Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

559. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if there is a family resource centre in Dundalk, County Louth. [39684/18]

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

There is no Family Resource Centre in Dundalk at present. Connect Family Resource Centre, based in Drogheda, provides services to residents of Drogheda and the greater Louth area, including Dundalk.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

560. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the process for establishing a family resource centre. [39685/18]

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

The Family Resource Centre Programme is administered by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. At present there are 109 Family Resource Centres in operation throughout the country, and 11 additional centres will be fully operational by the end of 2018.

As the process for establishing new Family Resource Centres, under the Family Resource Centre Programme, is a matter for Tusla, I have requested Tusla to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.

Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

561. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the services delivered at family resource centres; and the locations in which they can be accessed in the absence of a family resource centre. [39686/18]

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

The Family Resource Centre Programme delivers universal services to families in areas of disadvantage throughout the country. Each Family Resource Centre (FRC) operates autonomously, working inclusively with individuals and families in their communities, as well as statutory and non-statutory agencies.

Individual FRCs can differ significantly, as they are established on a community basis. Services offered by FRCs across the country can vary considerably as a result, depending on the size of the centre, local demographics, level of service usage, and the extent of other local services.

Services provided by Family Resource Centres may include:

- Provision of information, advice and support to children and families;

- Community groups to meet local needs, such as childcare facilities, after-school clubs, parent and toddler groups, men's sheds, etc.;

- Provision of free or low-cost counselling and support to individuals and groups;

- Access to information technology for members of the local community;

- Collaboration with social workers and family support services, often through Tusla's Meitheal model;

- Delivery of educational courses and training opportunities;

- Facilitation of family mediation services and child contact services.

While not every area has access to a Family Resource Centre, Tusla funds local family support services for children and families throughout the country. Such services include parenting programmes and supports, Educational Welfare services, and community-based counselling services. My Department also currently funds the Area Based Childhood (ABC) Programme, which provides targeted family support services in areas of disadvantage.

It is important that the needs of children and families are met in the best way possible, particularly in areas of disadvantage. I will continue to support the work of Family Resource Centres and family support services throughout the country.