Gary Gannon (Dublin Central, Social Democrats)
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1318. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will consider the urgent need for a family resource centre in the Cabra area, particularly in light of the significant socio-economic disparities outlined in the 2022 Census and recent qualitative research conducted by the Dublin Northwest Partnership (details supplied). [10837/25]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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I can inform the Deputy 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 FRC Programme members throughout the country. Core funding principally covers the salaries of staff.

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. As you will appreciate, the Tusla National Commissioning Office receives frequent requests to become members of the Family Resource Centre Programme from organisations in various parts of the country. A central feature of the FRC programme is the involvement of local people in identifying needs and developing needs-led responses.

I understand that Tusla is currently working on the application process and criteria for the establishment of additional Family Resource Centres, with a view to seeking applications in the coming weeks from organisations wishing to be considered for addition to the FRC Programme.