Eugene Murphy (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Many of the questions I wished to ask have been answered already by our guests. I thank them for engaging with us. It is very important. The pandemic has taught me one thing, and that is to prepare for the future.

We have to look at all the issues around gardening, outdoor events and more community. They are very important and are on many people's minds.

The Wheel is a fantastic organisation; I know some groups that are in it. How many people does it take to run it and who funds that? Groups with a turnover of €20,000 to €25,000 do not have to pay a fee. Obviously, the fees The Wheel gets would not run the organisation. Does it get any funding from the State or the health service? Looking at much of the work it does, one would presume some funding should be coming from the HSE or the Department of Health. On membership, can individuals sign up and become a member or is it all groups?

On community gardens, I spent my college years in horticulture and gardening is one of the most fantastic things for people. It is very clear to see what is being done now throughout the country. My own local authority is very good when a committee, parish or village wants to put a community garden in place. There is one being developed in west Roscommon which will open very shortly and there is more of that to come. Does Mr. McCormack have an ongoing discussion with all the local authorities about this? It is definitely something they should all be adopting and becoming involved in. Does Mr. McCormack have an ongoing situation where he discusses this with them? He talked about all the charity work The Wheel is involved in. Michael D. Higgins was quoted at one stage as saying that: "The Wheel is a force for good in Irish society." It definitely is and that is why it is important to have its representatives before us.

Community gardens are really good for communities and people with anxiety and mental health issues. Not alone are plants growing and different features present in the space around some towns and villages, one or two animals are often present. Communities look after all of that and do so very well. It is amazing when somebody takes a child with autism to look at an old horse or cow in a field that it means so much to that child and has a very calming effect. There are huge benefits from all of this. I would be very grateful for answers to those few questions.