Sinn Féin spokesperson on Community Development, Conor D. McGuinness TD, has called on the government to deliver urgent and sustained investment in Ireland’s family resource centre (FRC) network, describing the centres as “the backbone of our communities” and warning that current levels of funding fall far short of what’s required.
Deputy McGuinness made the comments following a meeting today with the Family Resource Centre National Forum.
Teachta McGuinness said:
“As spokesperson on community development, and a longstanding advocate for the work of family resource centres, I know how vital these services are to families, communities and local wellbeing.
“FRCs play a critical role in poverty eradication, child and family support, social inclusion, community safety, lifelong learning and participatory democracy. They are not a luxury, they are a necessity, and they must be treated as such.
“The Family Resource Centre National Forum has identified several urgent funding priorities, and government must now act on these.
“They are calling for a dedicated capital funding stream to upgrade and develop facilities, joint funding from TUSLA and the HSE for counselling and therapeutic services, and an increase in core staffing budgets to ensure services can expand and meet growing demand. These are reasonable, necessary asks and the government must respond.
“Government must also ringfence a portion of capital funding for development of new FRCs in areas that are underserved or left without any service.
“FRCs are Ireland’s community backbone, and must be supported as such.
“Across the state, these centres provide a trusted, accessible, local hub where people can access supports, build skills, and develop leadership. They empower communities from the ground up, not just reacting to need, but actively building stronger, fairer places to live.
“The model works. It delivers real value. But it needs real investment.
“Sinn Féin has committed to long-term, strategic investment in the FRC network as a core part of its approach to building stronger, fairer communities.
“It’s time for government to follow suit, and to invest in Ireland’s community backbone.”
Conor D. McGuinness TD 