Emer Currie (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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1842. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the €1 million fund announced in 2021 for the development of sensory gardens is still available; if schools or other organisations can still apply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19383/25]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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The Deputy may wish to be aware that the funding for the initiative in question was part of the “Strengthening Disability Services Fund” which allocated €20 million in once-off grants dispersed in 2021. This call for submissions was issued in October 2021 to voluntary organisations funded under Section 38 and 39 of the Health Act, with the successful candidates announced in December 2021. Service providers were invited to apply for funding for the development of gardens at existing facilities including residential, respite or day services facilities.

As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.