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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Erris family resource centre

Summary

Deputy Conway-Walsh called for a family resource centre in Erris, saying the area is severely disadvantaged and needs a hub for services. Minister O'Gorman said Tusla is reviewing family support services and new decisions would wait until that review is complete, but he would engage separately.

Catherine Connolly An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Independent

We are over time but as there are two Members left, I will allow them to contribute with the co-operation of the House.

Comment on this

I want to raise the issue of a family resource centre for Erris, which is absolutely imperative. We fought for more than ten years for a family resource centre there. The steering group has the strategic plan together. It has done the needs analysis. It is a beautiful area but it is severely disadvantaged. It is classed as disadvantaged or very disadvantaged according to the Pobal HP deprivation index. We need the family resource centre in order to provide a vibrant hub for mental health services and many other services that are needed within the community. Will the Minister meet with the steering group to discuss its needs and a plan going forward? We have a site for the family resource centre. It is just a matter of the Government making a commitment.

Comment on this

The last time I stood up here, I asked a question about the Wildlife (Amendment) Bill, which had gone through the previous Dáil and was to be reintroduced. I was promised a reply and I have not received it.

Will the Minister give an assurance that the assisted decision-making (capacity) (amendment) Bill will be published in this session? It is a very important Bill and it is long overdue.

Comment on this

I can commit that the assisted decision-making (capacity) (amendment) Bill will be published in the next two weeks. We look forward it being passed by the end of this session, with the co-operation of both Houses.

I am happy to engage further with Deputy Conway-Walsh on the issue she raised. Tusla is currently undertaking a review of all its family support services, including the place of family resource centres. Any new decisions on family resource centres would have to wait until that process is complete, but I am happy to engage with the Deputy separately and update her on that, and we can look for a way forward.

Comment on this