Remarks by Minister Katherine Zappone on the Eleven New Family Resource Centres

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Good Morning Everyone,

It is very exciting to be back here at Hill Street Family Resource Centre – my second visit since my appointment as Minister.

The energy here is absolutely incredible – and your work on childcare, education and local families has inspired me.

After seeing at first hand the impact that this Family Resource Centre, and others like it throughout the country, have on local communities and families I went to my colleagues in Government and told them ‘We Must Do More’.

Thankfully they listened and increased funding by 21% this year to over €16.3m.

This is a huge development.

It has not only given increased support to the 109 centres, including here in Hill Street, which are already well established but is also allowing 11 more to be opened.

Today – I can confirm that communities from Finglas West to Raphoe in Donegal to Ballybeg in Waterford are all getting centres.

Each of these new centres will be supported to get up and running by the great team at Tusla the Child and Family Agency.

Indeed those planning the new Centres would do well to come and visit you here – to see how things should run.

As Minister I am aware that there are others who applied and will be disappointed this morning.

However Tusla did undertake a rigorous process before reaching its decisions.

I can commit though that I am hugely impressed with Family Resource Centres and will be trying again in the forthcoming Budget to get even more funding so that existing Family Resource Centres and other communities can also benefit.

It is no coincidence that I am returning to Hill Street.

Last time I was very impressed by the energy, the passion and the joy which is coming from here.

I know this morning your toddler group is meeting and of course we have many parents here too.

In the past week I believe you have been looking at Feminism and Equality – both are very close to my heart.

Please do share with me what you have learned and how it is inspiring you.

Finally can I again thank you for the incredible welcome.

Hill Street has lead the way for the nation – and today 11 other communities are following your leadership and looking forward to their own Family Resource Centres opening in the coming months.

You deserve huge congratulations.

As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs can I say Thank You!

ENDS