Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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877. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will expand the availability of social farming in rural areas. [36901/22]

Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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I am a strong proponent of the Social Farming movement. It is has multi-faceted benefits for the farmers as well as those who attend the farms. It is a truly inspirational concept. I met with Social Farmers from Leitrim, Donegal and Kerry since I was appointed Minister. 

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine provided funding last year totalling almost €777,000 under the Rural Innovation & Development Fund towards the development of the national Social Farming Network and for the development of a number of social farming model projects. 

I am examining all options regarding funding models and streams for this movement.