Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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527. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if consideration is being given to providing funding to a service (details supplied) in order that the service can remain open; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48846/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I can inform the Deputy that I have already received numerous queries from members of the Oireachtas and from the management of the service in questions on this matter. My response to Priority Question 4 on 7 November, 2018, and written Question 25 from Deputy Boyd-Barrett on the same date, reflects the current position on the matter.

The provision of family support services is a matter for Tusla. Tusla has advised that it is currently compiling a Commissioning Plan for services in the Dublin South East/Wicklow area, which seeks to assign resources to areas of the greatest need, ensuring the best possible outcomes. Requests for funding from this organisation will be considered in this context. The planning process will help inform any future spending in the area based on evidenced needs. Tusla has invited the organisation to be involved in stakeholder consultations on the planning process early next year.

I have agreed to meet representatives of the organisation, along with Tusla officials, to discuss this matter shortly.