Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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222. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if an application for family resource centre status for an organisation in County Kerry will be expedited (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36605/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy may know, applications for FRC Programme membership were open from 1st May to 30th May 2025. Funding secured as part of Budget 2025 will allow for membership of the Programme to increase from 121 members to 126 members in 2025, in line with a Government commitment to expand the Programme.

Tusla, as the body responsible for the day-to-day administration of the FRC Programme, is managing the selection process for the additional FRCs. The process is merit-based, guided by the published criteria set out in the application process, ensuring that all applications are assessed fairly and equitably. The Department has also agreed with Tusla that independent representation will be included on the selection panel for the additional FRCs. It is expected that announcements on the successful applicants for the new FRCs will be made in the coming months.