Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I praise the Men's Sheds Association which operates throughout the length and breadth of this country. As Members know, the emergence of men's sheds is a fairly recent development and they are now located in many areas around the country. I am familiar with the one in Monaghan town. It has been a great development and offers great solace as well as outreach to men who for one reason or another feel isolated. They could be retired or unemployed. The groups are made up of tradespersons of all ilks. It is a fantastic organisation that deserves great praise. In light of all that, it is difficult to understand the decision by the HSE and the Government to cut funding to the Men's Sheds Association nationally by up to 7%. We are talking about a cut of almost €19,000. That is most regrettable and will affect their ability to function as a national association. It is difficult to understand the thinking behind the cut given the relatively small amount of money involved and the immeasurable return for society.

I am sure I speak for most men when I say that a lot of us find it difficult to talk, to open up and discuss how we are feeling, especially when we are feeling down. The Men's Sheds Association reaches out to people who are going through difficult times and offers them a base where they can meet people, have a chat and a cup of tea and get involved in voluntary and community projects. It has been a great success story. For that reason, I am astonished that the Government would decide to cut its funding. I ask the Leader to bring this up with the Minister for Health and get the funding reinstated as a matter of urgency.