Press release from The Iona Institute

The decision by the State’s child and family agency, Tusla, to bring a complete end to State funding of Accord’s marriage preparation courses is even more appalling in light of the fact that Tusla’s funding by the State was increased by €26 million in the last Budget and it has been awarded an €8.3 million grant from Atlantic Philantrophies.

Commenting, David Quinn of The Iona Institute said: “The cut is now even more indefensible in light of the fact that Tusla’s funding was increased by €26 million in the last budget.

“Every agency has suffered cutbacks since the economic crash, but at this point, when the economy is starting to recover, to simply axe the almost €400,000 the State was giving the main marriage preparation organisation in the country for its marriage preparation courses beggars belief”

He continued: “We also note that Atlantic Philanthropies has awarded Tusla a grant of €8.3 million. Atlantic Philanthropies is the same organisation that has given millions of dollars in recent years to LGBT lobby groups to successfully push for the marriage referendum currently underway. Perhaps Atlantic Philanthropies would consider replacing the money Tusla was giving Accord as a gesture of good will?”

Following the latest cut-back Accord is now in receipt of about €1.6 million annually from the State. Before the economic downturn it was receiving over €3.6 million.