Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am glad the Minister will meet with the Irish Men's Sheds Association, IMSA. It is a pity that when the Department reached out to them late last year, it was unable, but hopefully this will be sorted out and we will get proper, meaningful support for the many men's sheds throughout the country, especially in Tipperary. We have men's sheds in Clogheen, Carrick-on-Suir, Clonmel, Fethard, Mullinahone, Tiobraid Árann, Cashel and Thurles. They are tremendous organisations, and we cannot forget mná na hÉireann either. There are some women's sheds. We have one in Cahir town, Cathair Dhún Iascaigh. It is very important that this voluntary effort is supported by the Government.

12 o’clock

The association is not looking for massive amounts of money. It just wants enough to keep going without having to do a lot of fundraising, which is stressful. I look forward to the Minister meeting with the national group. I hope this matter can be resolved. In fairness to the previous Minister, she was generous to the men's sheds. It is a pity this went off the track but I hope we can get it back on the line again.

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