The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, has announced increased funding for Family Resource Centres to strengthen their essential support for children and families. Starting January 2026, the minimum funding level for each centre will rise from €160,000 to €180,000. This adjustment will directly benefit 100 out of the 126 centres nationwide whose current allocations fall below the new threshold. Minister Foley emphasized that the funding secured under Budget 2026 reflects the crucial role these centres play within their communities, with Tusla responsible for administering the increased allocations.
Tusla CEO Kate Duggan welcomed the announcement, highlighting that the enhanced core funding will bolster community-based family support. She noted that Family Resource Centres are deeply embedded in local communities and respond to the needs of children and families through diverse services, including counselling, education, family support work, advocacy, training, and youth programmes. The additional funding will further strengthen early intervention efforts across funded services to better support vulnerable families and communities.
The new funding increase builds on previous core funding enhancements introduced in 2025, which raised the base level to €160,000. Tusla continues to oversee the Family Resource Centre Programme, supporting 126 centres that offer a wide range of universal and targeted services. These include providing information and advice, facilitating referrals, offering education and training, supporting new and existing community groups, providing counselling, developing community leadership and capacity, and offering practical assistance such as access to technology and organisational support.
Minister Foley also recently announced the establishment of five new Family Resource Centres across several counties, bringing the total to 126. Budget 2026 provides funding for a further ten centres, supporting continued expansion of community-based services nationwide.
