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

Again, I join the Minister in acknowledging the work the men's sheds are doing for their members and also for their local communities. They often get involved in local projects and help other organisations and community groups by offering the woodworking and other skills their members have. This is having a big impact. We have an impressive men's sheds group in my home town of Midleton and there is also one in Glounthaune which is involved in Harper's Island wildlife sanctuary and so on. They are really impressive.

One of the challenges men's sheds can experience is in acquiring capital funding to build and provide a shed. The Minister indicated she is making a small amount of capital funding available. Has she considered a fund that could be used by aspiring men's sheds if they want to buy a shed or some property in which to locate a shed? The amount needed can be substantial and this can be a stumbling block, especially in areas which may not have access to the economic supports that are available in some other areas.

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