David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister sincerely for the work she is doing. I also compliment the Irish Men's Sheds Association, its chief executive and others on the work they are doing, their professionalism and the way they go about their business. In a very short time, it has grown into a large organisation that impacts on many thousands of men, and now women, across the country. It is a really good news story, which perhaps some of the people in the fourth estate might pick up on, promote and acknowledge. It really is very impressive.

The €800,000 the Minister made available this year is most welcome and has made a huge difference. Will this be an annual fund to which the Minister can commit? The overhead costs - insurance, electricity and so on - are having an impact and this fund has been a major help. The men's and women's sheds are all very grateful to the Minister and her Department for that.

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