Linda Nelson Murray (Fine Gael)

I appreciate that the Minister, Deputy Calleary, has come here this morning. While I was running in the convention, I used a quote about women to sum up myself and my late mam, who loved a strong cup of tea: a woman like me is like a tea bag; you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water. There are many women in County Meath who are strong women and who are fighting for a home for their groups. Those are the Trim women's shed, the Navan women's shed and the Meath cancer support group. Trim women's shed is a welcome space where women can connect, learn new skills and support one another through workshops, creative classes and social events. However, the absence of a consistent venue has become a major challenge to its continued growth and sustainability.This group has 450 members and would benefit from having somewhere it can call home for a number of reasons, including stability, continuity, ownership, pride, development and skill building. The group could plan activities and workshops for its huge member base without worrying about venue availability. Caroline Smith, who is the group's chair, has said that it wants to get women out and into the community, to provide a safe support space for women and to act as a non-judgmental group where women can gather, support each other and learn new skills. All women above the age of 18 are welcome to join and there is no cut-off age. A lot of women have said that the shed has saved them by bringing them out of isolation.

The women's shed movement has expanded rapidly across Ireland in recent years, as the Minister will be aware, inspired by the well-established men's shed model. Nonetheless, it is fairly safe to say that women's sheds are more shedless than men's sheds. Most women's sheds rent shared spaces, which means they must pack away their equipment after each session. Men's sheds, on the other hand, are often granted permanent spaces.

Today, there are 120 women's sheds across Ireland. Sheila K. Martin from Killarney women's shed made a super point when she said that communities function best when they feel connected. People used to use pubs for that but many of them have shut down. Women's sheds can fill that gap by providing a dedicated space where women can share experiences, build friendships and feel part of something bigger. These groups offer essential social, emotional and educational supports. All I have said about the Trim women's shed I could say equally about the Navan women's shed, which is in the same predicament. I urge the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht to seek to ensure that women's sheds are equally looked after this year.

Another group that I would like to bring to the Minister's attention is the Meath Cancer Support Group. Rachel Mullen from Kildalkey never imagined that she would find herself in a life-changing battle, but that was exactly what happened when she found she had breast cancer. She did not expect to find that there was no support group local to her where she could cry, vent, rage, smile and speak to people going through the same thing. To do this, she would have had to travel to Dublin, Westmeath or Louth. We must bear in mind that Meath has a population of 240,000 people, which means there are potentially 1,600 people diagnosed every year, each of whom has various family members. This incredible lady set up the Meath Cancer Support Group with the wonderful support of Trim Family Resource Centre. Ms Mullen has some space but there are now more than 30 people looking to come to the group's meetings and the room can only hold 30 people. This group is a lifeline for individuals and families that have been affected by cancer. How can a group that provides such support continue to progress its work without a base? The group provides help through counselling, peer support, information sessions and practical assistance. It offers comfort and hope to people navigating one of life's toughest challenges.

I have mentioned three groups. I am sure there are many more in similar circumstances. I am focusing on these three groups to ascertain the Government's plans to provide homes for groups that go out of their way to support women, to support people, to support families and to support communities in County Meath.