Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

441. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will advise a local organisation (details supplied) on the types of possible additional funding that might be available to assist them with their invaluable work in the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56570/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, administers the Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme which provides funding support to 121 FRCs across the country.

The commissioning of FRCs is an operational matter for Tusla. Tusla's Area Managers engage in the commissioning process and participate in meetings and discussions with community and voluntary agencies. Tusla aims to utilise the total resources available in the most efficient, equitable, proportionate and sustainable way in order to improve outcomes for children, young people, and families. Local Tusla Area Managers and the Tusla Commissioning Team can be contacted in relation to FRCs' planned service delivery and potential to develop services.

I would therefore advise that the FRC contacts the relevant Tusla Area Manager to discuss any proposed developments and explore possibilities of funding associated with child and family centred activities outlined.

I am aware of demand for new family and community support services. It is therefore important for service providers to engage with local Tusla area managers and seek to avail of other funding sources including, for example, Dormant Accounts, National Lottery, and local councils.

Tusla continues to work with community-based family support organisations, including FRCs, to best meet the needs of vulnerable children, families and communities.