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

Funding under the scheme to support national organisations, SSNO, is provided to national organisations such as the Irish Men's Shed Association for core funding. My Department does not provide funding under the SSNO for local and regional branches of national organisations. The organisations funded under the SSNO reflect significant diversity in theme and in the target groups they support, including health and disability, community development, education, equality, integration, unemployment, young people, drugs, older people and child welfare. They are, therefore, all in and around the space to which the Deputy refers. In terms of future funding for these projects, the Leader element of the rural development programme 2014-2020 will provide €250 million in resources to support the sustainable development of rural communities across the country. This funding will be delivered using a community-led local development approach based on local development strategies. I assure Deputy Costello that the funding for this type of activity will be eligible under that programme, once it is included in the Leader strategy for the local area. As Deputy Costello knows, our President is patron of this association. I take on board the Deputy's desire to raise awareness about this, because the organisation and association does a very significant amount for men and it has been difficult to engage men up to now. I understand what the Deputy is saying and I will take it back to my officials to see whether more can be done.

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