Three organisations will receive funding for projects to improve the lives of children, young people and their families in local communities here in Cork, a Fine Gael Senator has said.

The Quality and Capacity Building Initiative funding will see the investment of €2 million to 51 organisations across the country granted by Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone.

The measure is supported by funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund, which is overseen by Fine Gael Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Seán Kyne.

The funding exemplifies the objectives of the Dormant Accounts legislation, which is to assist the development of people who are socially, economically or educationally disadvantaged and help those with a disability.

Cork Life Centre is due to receive €13,365 & Cork Migrant Centre is set to receive €20,000. Along with this Nasc The Migrants and Refugee Rights Centre have been granted €36,249.

Senator Buttimer said: “This is excellent news for Cork.

“Young people can be trapped in a spiral of disadvantage based on their background, location and family circumstance.

“We need to ensure people working with these children, young people and their families are given an opportunity to take a step back and look at the work they are doing.

“This Government recognises that frontline workers are fundamental in improving children’s lives.
We have learnt so much over the past couple of decades about how to improve our services for children and young people.

“Central to each of the successful projects is a commitment to curiosity about what works in improving the lives of children, young people and their families.

“Each organisation is expected to support the staff working on the successful project to critically examine the work and impact of their project or service. They are being encouraged to ask questions such as ‘Is this improving the lives of children? How do we know? Are we doing the right things? Can we improve our service? What can we do differently?

“This once off funding will give our local organisations an opportunity to implement some of that learning for the first time. For others, it’ll give them the space to think differently about the services they are delivering,” Buttimer said.

Tusla as administrators of this fund will be in contact with all applicants to the scheme over the coming days and will liaise with successful applicants to advance the processing of funding. Further details on the application process are available on the DCYA and Tusla websites.