Barry Ward (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1022. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of senior management in a resource centre (details supplied) related to the shortfall in core funding for their services; the steps she will take to address this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47955/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I wish to inform the Deputy that my office has not been made aware of any shortfall in core funding in respect of the Family Resource Centre in question.

Core funding for the Family Resource Centre Programme is provided by my Department to Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. Tusla is the body responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Programme. The core funding allocation is standardised across the Family Resource Centre Programme, and is intended to support a dedicated cohort of staff and to contribute towards a centre’s operational costs. This allows for the delivery of essential family support services, in line with Tusla’s national priorities.

It is important to note that funding from this Department represents only a portion of the total funding available to Family Resource Centres nationally. The Family Resource Centre Programme is a community development programme that is financially supported by many State agencies in a partnership approach. Centres may draw on various sources of funding provided by other Government Departments, agencies and private sources. I would encourage every centre to engage with these sources and explore all funding options.

In relation to the centre in question, I am happy to revert to Tusla with any further information the Deputy is in a position to provide.