Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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388. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the status of a matter regarding resources for a family resource centre (details supplied) in County Monaghan; if assistance will be provided in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12530/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, administers the Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme which provides funding to 121 Centres across the country. My Department allocates core funding for the FRC Programme which amounted to some €18m in 2021. I appreciate the work of Clones FRC and the Beacon Project Family Support Services in improving the lives of children and families in the Clones area.

Tusla is independent in the performance of its functions. The commissioning of services and requests for additional funding of the type outlined are operational matters for Tusla.

However, I am aware of the FRC's request for an additional core worker through direct representations made to me by Deputies on behalf of the FRC. Tusla has advised that the request from Clones FRC has been noted by Tusla’s National Commissioning Office should they receive additional funding. Recently, Tusla has advised my Department that a meeting had been scheduled between the Clones FRC Board of Management, the FRC Coordinator, and Tusla's National Service Director for Commissioning.

In the past, Tusla has advised the Department that the current level of funding is to sustain existing services operating in the FRC Programme. The Area Manager considers proposals in the context of the commissioning priorities in the local area. Tusla aims to utilise the resources available in the most equitable, proportionate and sustainable way to improve outcomes for children and families.

In relation to the refugee families that the FRC helps in resettlement supports, I would encourage the Deputy to contact Monaghan Local Authority in relation to any issues around the support of resettled refugees. 

I will continue to work with my colleagues in Government, Tusla and our service delivery partners to ensure we meet the needs of children, young people and their families across Ireland.