Jen Cummins (Dublin South Central, Social Democrats)

Before I start, I have some visitors in the Gallery from a school who are on leaving certificate applied, LCA, work experience. I want to say thank you to them. They have done excellent work so far this week.

I would like to pay tribute in this debate to a group of my constituents in Dublin South-Central, the Dublin 12 Men's Shed. I had the pleasure of going to visit them recently with my constituency manager, Amy King, who is also in the Gallery. We had a really inspiring discussion with them. They have become embedded in their community. They have provided a safe, welcoming space for all men to go, meet and share their skills, work on community projects and support one another. It is playing a crucial role in reducing social exclusion and isolation, improving mental health for the men and building a stronger sense of community across Dublin 12. They do a number of projects. They work on wood projects, from planters to Christmas decorations to pens and bird boxes. They showed us amazing stuff. That is when the magic happens, because when they are busy doing things, they are able to talk, listen and create a place where they can cry and laugh. It is a happy and concerning environment. They are so good at it now that they have a waiting list. To that end, I am going to be very cheeky and say that this group really needs funding to build a tiny extension out the back so there is extra workspace. They are working outside. They have an inside space but want to be able to use another part, to be able to work there, to include more men. If at all possible, I would love for the Government to invest in this men's shed. I am sure there are other men's sheds that I just have not visited yet that are equally as important, but I want to pay tribute to those men. They are saving lives. It is so important but it is so simple. That is what makes it brilliant. It does not have to be complicated. Reaching out to one another, being with others, sharing your story and listening to others is what makes us human.

See this speech in context