Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his question. He is right that the importance of men's and women's sheds cannot be underestimated. Ireland has the highest percentage of men's sheds per capita in the world. They were founded originally in Australia but they have really taken off. We found it hard after Covid to get sheds back up and running but they are back up and running and they are so important for emotional well-being and positive mental health.

There are some areas where local authorities are very upfront and supportive of men's sheds and other organisations; for others it is quite difficult. If the Deputy sends on the details, we will have a look at trying to get the council to come to some sort of agreement. The overriding message has to be the importance of these sheds for people's well-being.

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