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Thursday, 25 July 2025 | Department of Children, Disability and Equality
The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD, has announced a commitment of €1.5 million annually to support 73 community and voluntary organisations providing counselling and therapeutic services to children and families across Ireland.
This funding will enable local organisations to offer a range of community-based supports, including:
- Counselling and psychotherapy
- Play and creative arts therapies
- Bereavement support
- Systemic family therapy
The funding, previously sourced from the Dormant Accounts Fund, has now been mainstreamed into the annual core budget of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, marking a significant step toward sustainability and service continuity.
Key Objectives of the Funding:
- Increase counselling capacity across the country
- Reduce waiting lists for children and adolescents
- Expand access for families facing financial or geographic barriers
- Ensure a sustainable, long-term therapeutic response to increasing demand
Minister Foley highlighted the importance of these services, stating:
“This investment ensures children and young people have timely access to essential counselling services within their own communities. These supports are deeply rooted in local needs and provide critical interventions at the right time for families in difficulty.”
Evidence-Based Allocation
The decision to regularise the funding followed a detailed impact survey of previously funded organisations, as well as extensive consultation by Tusla with its local area offices to assess needs and inform targeted funding allocation.
Minister Foley added:
“This annual investment reflects the Government’s strong recognition of the work being done by community-based services every day. I am proud to support their efforts in providing essential care to children and families nationwide.”
Oversight and Accountability
Tusla will continue to work closely with the funded organisations to ensure quality, transparency, and responsiveness to evolving community needs.
Funding Overview
A total of €1.5 million has been allocated to 73 organisations across all regions. Notable allocations include:
| Organisation | County | Allocation |
|---|---|---|
| Barnardos Children’s Bereavement Service | Cork | €100,000 |
| Cherish t/a One Family | Dublin | €100,000 |
| Candle Community Trust | Dublin | €75,000 |
| CURAM Clainne CLG t/a The Family Centre | Mayo | €66,750 |
| Aspen Counselling Service | Dublin | €50,000 |
| Rainbows Ireland | Dublin | €50,000 |
| Community Therapy Ireland | Dublin | €48,500 |
| Vita House Family Centre | Roscommon | €47,800 |
| Dundalk Counselling Centre | Louth | €46,000 |
(Full list of allocations available on request or from the Department of Children, Disability and Equality)
ENDS
For media inquiries, please contact:
Press Office, Department of Children, Disability and Equality
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +353 (0)1 234 5678
Minister-Norma-Foley-Picture-by-Gareth-Chaney-Collins-Dublin
