Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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652. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for a list of all family resource centres in east Cork. [5954/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can confirm to the Deputy that there are three members of the Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme in east Cork. These are Carrigtwohill FRC, Cobh FRC, and Midleton FRC.

Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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653. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if additional funding will be made available in 2025 for family resource centres to cover their programme costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5955/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can inform the Deputy that a funding equalisation scheme was established in 2024 for the FRC Programme, which will ensure that all Programme members receive a minimum core funding of at least €160,000 from 2025 onwards. Core funding supports the pivotal role FRCs play in so many communities across the country, where they provide a comprehensive range of services tailored to individual community needs. In addition to core funding, FRCs may draw on various sources of funding provided by other Government Departments, agencies and private sources.

The Deputy may be aware that an additional €800,000 was secured in Budget 2025 for the FRC Programme. This additional allocation will allow for expansion of the FRC Programme membership in 2025, by providing core funding to new Programme members. The commissioning of new FRCs is an operational matter for Tusla, which is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the FRC Programme.

I understand that Tusla is currently working on the application process and criteria, with a view to seeking applications in the coming weeks from organisations wishing to be considered for the expansion of the FRC programme.