Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree that it is a good scheme. In my experience, I have never seen good schemes or projects that did not get funding. This one deserves to get funding. The roll-out of this initiative has involved a significant commitment from farmers and service providers. The Minister announced the extension of the social farming model contracts to the Leitrim Integrated Development Company, the South Kerry Development Partnership and Down's Syndrome Ireland's Cork branch, which will enable those organisations to expand the work they have already started in their areas. Funding of €123,000 has been provided to the South Kerry Development Partnership, which does good work, and funding of €121,000 has been provided to the Leitrim Integrated Development Company. I take the Deputy's comments on board. I will raise the matter and the Deputy's request with the Ministers for Employment Affairs and Social Protection and Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

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