Family resource centres are a lifeline for many families and individuals and right now they are helping people to bear the brunt of the multiple crises we are facing such as fuel, housing, cost of living, childcare and mental health. They are at the coalface. They provide vital supports, and they also contribute to the public good through social cohesion. They ensure that childhood continues, needs are met and communities remain connected, resilient and thriving. Dundrum, Hillview and Balally family resource centres, FRCs, do the most incredible work in my constituency of Dublin Rathdown, but it is so disheartening to hear of the pressure they are put under in delivering what they do. We have to increase core funding because, at the moment, core funding for FRCs is at €180,000 per annum and that is intended to support three staff and overheads. It is not enough and will not prove sustainable for many centres. Some 70% of FRCs have reported that running costs have increased by at least 10% over the past two years. Will the Taoiseach commit to an appropriate increase in FRC core funding so that the wonderful FRCs around our country, like Hillview, Balally and Rosemount, can continue to deliver?

Sentiment score: 0.26