Ann Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am pleased to have an opportunity to address the Dáil regarding funding for men's sheds. I agree with the Deputy's comments about the great work being done by these groups. I have visited many of them and the benefits for participants are clear to see. My Department provides support to the Irish Men's Sheds Association, IMSA, under the funding scheme to support national organisations in the community and voluntary sector. During 2013, in advance of the commencement of the 2014 scheme, my Department carried out a review which found the scheme had fulfilled its main objective of providing multi-annual funding to national organisations towards core costs associated with the provision of services. The review recommended that organisations be required to demonstrate clearly the added value of the work proposed. The effective use of core funding by recipient organisations also requires that robust governance and cost control procedures be in place within those organisations.

The new scheme was advertised for applications early last year. Some 157 applications were received by Pobal and 55 were approved for funding for the two-year period from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2016. The award process included considerations such as social and economic benefits, consistency with current policies and long-term vision. The approach brought together the relevant information within each application, including experience, evidential analysis, consideration of impacts and comparative analysis, with the final decision based on a fair and transparent assessment of the applications.

IMSA applied successfully for funding and was allocated €175,950 over the 24-month period of the scheme. The aim of the funding is to enable IMSA, together with community partners, to increase the network of men's sheds in Ireland to more than 400, involving the participation of more than 20,000 disadvantaged men. The funding is contributing to the employment of a CEO and a resource worker as well as associated overheads. My Department is providing funding under the scheme of in excess of €8 million over the two-year period. This represents an increase in funding of more than 10% per annum compared with the previous scheme.

My Department has also funded men's shed projects under the rural development fund and the Leader element of the rural development programme. Funding has been provided to renovate buildings to house those types of initiatives and also for tools and equipment. Since the downturn in the construction industry, large numbers of men have found themselves at a loose end while looking for new employment. In some rural areas, this has led to a feeling of isolation. Men's shed projects have turned this negative into a positive by supporting the development of initiatives where new friendships have been fostered and communities have benefited from the products and services provided by the clubs.

I understand there are almost 220 men's sheds in Ireland at this time, comprising more than 7,000 members. Several wonderful projects have grown from these initiatives such as the restoration of old farm machinery and the production of fantastic wooden pieces. They have helped men in a number of communities to come together to work on initiatives in which they would not have participated if not for the men's shed.

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