Senator Maura Hopkins is to seek an appeal of the decision by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, to cease funding counselling services in Cuan Aire Family Life Centre, Castlerea.
Commenting on the issue Maura Hopkins said “I have expressed my concern to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone regarding the withdrawal of funding. Having met with staff involved in delivering services at Cuan Aire, I am very aware of the important service it provides for the community of Castlerea. The counselling service covers a significant catchment area of Castlerea, Ballinlough, Williamstown, Ballaghaderreen, Ballymoe and Ballintubber. The Family Life Centre has been in operation since 1995 and a counselling service has always been one of the main services provided.”
Senator Hopkins concluded by stating that “I have requested information from Minister Zappone as to how this decision to withdraw funding from the service was reached and to seek an appeal of this decision.”