2970. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department supports the co-location of family resource centres with community centres or other community facilities in areas currently lacking both services; whether this approach has been considered in respect of Dungarvan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [58152/26]

As there is currently no open application process for the expansion of the FRC programme, it is not possible to comment on specific proposals.

Notwithstanding this, the Family Resource Centre Programme is a community development programme that is financially supported by many State agencies in a partnership approach. FRCs may draw on various sources of funding provided by other Government Departments, State agencies and private sources. This approach allows centres to further embed themselves in their communities by meeting the specific needs identified within those communities. This is a flexibility that all FRCs are encouraged to leverage, to reflect the diverse range of potential funders for services an FRC may provide, beyond services to children and families.

Any further expansion of the Family Resource Centre Programme will include a comprehensive national application and assessment process led by Tusla as the State agency responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Family Resource Centre Programme. Depending on the community, identification of future FRC locations may include co-location with other existing community facilities.