Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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742. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his department has received an application for the development of a family resource centre for Carrickmacross, County Monaghan; if she will allocate the necessary funding to bring this important project to fruition; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7327/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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During 2024 my Department received correspondences supporting the establishment by a local organisation of a Family Resource Centre in Carrickmacross. I am aware that Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has also engaged with this organisation.

The Deputy may be aware that an additional €800,000 was secured in Budget 2025 for the Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme. This additional allocation will allow for expansion of the FRC Programme membership in 2025, by providing core funding to new Programme members. 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. My Department allocates core funding for the FRC Programme through Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Tusla administers the FRC Programme, which supports Programme members throughout the country. Core funding principally covers the salaries of staff.

In addition to core funding, FRCs can draw on various sources of funding provided by other Government Departments, agencies and private sources. Such funding can allow FRCs to extend the scope and reach of their services.

Regarding the expansion of the FRC Programme, I wish to inform the Deputy that the commissioning of new FRCs is an operational matter for Tusla, which is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the FRC Programme. Organisations that wish to join the FRC Programme are advised to contact Tusla in the first instance to highlight their interest in the 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 membership of the expanded FRC programme.

Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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743. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she intends to increase grant supports to family resource centres; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7328/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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I can inform the Deputy that a funding equalisation scheme was initiated in 2024 for the Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme. The scheme ensures that all FRC Programme members receive 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. My Department allocates core funding for the FRC Programme through Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Tusla administers the FRC Programme, which supports Programme members throughout the country. Core funding principally covers the salaries of staff.

In addition to core funding, FRCs may draw on various sources of funding provided by other Government Departments, agencies and private sources. Such funding can allow FRCs to extend the scope and reach of their services.

There are currently no plans for my Department to further increase core funding provided to existing FRC Programme members.