The programme for Government is supportive of the provision of family resource centres which provide community development and family support services in towns throughout the country. Longford town has a population of 10,000. It has the highest truancy levels in the State by population. It has the highest number of referrals to Tusla and it has the most diverse population in the country. Yet, in the recent application, we were unsuccessful in securing funding despite putting together a needs assessment with all the organisations working on the ground in Longford to highlight the need. The need we have for a family resource centre was shown. We have a building and we have a board but we do not have the money. We were not successful despite the highest need across all those levels in the country.

I am looking for a commitment that in budget 2026 we will provide money for additional family resource centres and that Longford, which has the highest need in the country, and that need is factual, will be successful in what it needs, namely a family resource centre based in the town.

I thank the Deputy for the question. I agree with him that family resource centres do outstanding work. I have them in my own constituency. I would say every Member of this House is aware of the excellent work they do. I am informed that the Minister, Deputy Foley, has announced the opening of five new family resource centres this year. There are many applications for funding in respect of the resource centres throughout the country. I will speak to the Minister, Deputy Foley, in respect of the issue the Deputy raised in his constituency. I do not have a detailed response at present but I will try to come back to the Deputy on that. I can understand his desire to ensure the family resource centre, which has a board and a building, continues and that it needs money.