Cutbacks to the Family Resource Centre programme would have a devastating impact on the local economy in the Longford/Westmeath constituency, according to the Family Resource Centre National Forum (FRCNF ).
Four Family Resource Centres (FRCs ) are located in Longford/ Westmeath: Cara Phort FRC in Mullingar, Monsignor McCarthy FRC in Athlone, Bridgeways FRC in Ballymahon and Granard FRC.
A spokesperson for these centres said this week that the ‘An Bord Snip Nua’ report recommendation to close the Family Support Agency, the state body with responsibility for the centres, would threaten the future of the local centres, and would have a crippling effect on local communities.
“The An Bord Snip Nua report recommends closing the Family Support Agency in an effort to save the Exchequer €30 million,” said Packie Kelly, chairperson of the FRCNF.
“This recommendation is presented in the report in terms of closing an expensive state agency, a luxury we can no longer afford. However, nothing could be further from the truth.
“€18 million of the Family Support Agency’s budget is spent directly on the FRC programme. This money funds the work of 107 centres, which receive almost one million visits on a yearly basis to access essential services and facilities. In Longford/ Westmeath alone, the four FRCs received over 1,500 visits last year.
“Family Resource Centres operate in disadvantaged communities. They provide education and training, childcare facilities, counselling services, parenting support, and a range of initiatives to address issues such as addiction, isolation, and discrimination...Now more than ever, the supports provided by Family Resource Centres are needed.”
According to Mr Kelly, the centres currently operating in Longford/ Westmeath represent value for money and long-term savings for the Exchequer.
“The FRC model encourages the sharing of resources, thereby reducing the need for the Government to provide individual supports to various organisations. In 2008, for example, the four FRCs in Longford/ Westmeath had over 870 visits from other community and voluntary groups to use their services and facilities.
“In addition, 92 adults availed of education courses and 14 people participated in vocational training in Longford/ Westmeath FRCs last year. Furthermore, FRCs provide affordable childcare services on an ongoing basis which means parents can join the workforce or engage in training courses with a view to upskilling themselves.
“The four FRCs in Longford/ Westmeath employ eight staff members, and over 30 people are also involved on a voluntary basis in the management of the centres.
“These are just some of the ways in which Family Resource Centres actually contribute to the local economy in Longford/ Westmeath. It is clear that the Family Support Agency is delivering a much-needed public service in an efficient and cost-effective manner.”
Representatives of the four Family Resource Centres in Longford/ Westmeath are meeting local Oireachtas members to highlight the importance of maintaining the programme.
“We are raising three key points with the Government and with all Oireachtas members,” said Mr Kelly. “Firstly, that our services are needed now more than ever, so instead of closing or reducing the Family Resource Centre programme, it should be developed and even expanded.
“Secondly, that the Family Support Agency is the best vehicle through which to deliver the Family Resource Centre Programme and it is our preference that the agency should be maintained.
“Finally, that we recognise that the Government is under pressure to correct the public finances. And, with this in mind, we are anxious that if any changes are to be made to the FRC programme or Family Support Agency, we are consulted on the way forward.”
