"New Stresses" Impact Family Life - Hanafin

Announcing the funding, Minister for Social and Family Affairs Mary Hanafin T.D., said this funding, which is administered by the Family Support Agency, "is the first part of a three year rolling investment in the valuable services provided by these organisations to support families in times of distress and trauma."

Minister Hanafin said that now more than ever there is a need to ensure that quality services are available in order to help families who may be experiencing new pressures and stresses in their lives: "The difficult economic situation being experienced throughout the country is filtering into the lives and homes of families throughout Ireland.

"Where a person loses their job or has their working hours cut back, this financial strain can lead to pressures in relationships.

"Having a network of support services available throughout the country, to provide marriage and relationship counselling services is a core part of helping families to cope with problems they are confronted with."

Minister Hanafin said that each of these organisations has "a proven track record in the specialty of services they provide and having this funding made available to them earlier in the year than in previous years will enable them to continue to develop services and plan into the future, as they move to a multi annual budget process."

The grants to organisations dealing with marriage and relationships also helps fund marriage preparation courses for couples planning to marry, as well as support for families dealing with relationship breakdown.

"Early intervention, counselling and support can help families to avert a much deeper crisis causing a family break-up and the professional services available for couples, families and children through these organisations is a vital service," she concluded.