Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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728. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development to urgently acknowledge the role played by women in the home and in Irish life and society by introducing a funding stream for women’s sheds in County Kerry and across the country as a matter of priority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28502/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I am very aware of the growing interest in Women's Sheds in Ireland, and of the great work they do in providing a space for women of all ages to come together on a regular basis in a safe, comfortable and inclusive environment.

However, as Women’s Sheds do not currently operate under an overall national organisation, my Department is unable to provide funding to Women’s Sheds similar to the funding provided to Men's Sheds via the Irish Men's Shed Association.

I will support in any way that I can, the development of a national governing body for Women’s Sheds to ensure that individual Women’s Sheds can benefit from having a strong national representative body to advocate on their behalf.

Indeed a representative from the Minister's office recently met with members of the National Forum of Women's Sheds. In addition, a delegation from the forum will meet with officials from my Department along with colleagues from the Department of Health in June.

It should be noted that although there is no national organisation for Women's Sheds, my Department provides funding to individual Women’s (Sister) Sheds under various funding supports, including:

• The €7 million Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2025 which allowed Women’s Sheds to apply for running costs as well as small capital works for the purchase of equipment for their facilities. I will be announcing successful projects under the LEP 2025 shortly.
• The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2024 - 2028 also provides supports to Women’s Sheds. This support is still available through SICAP.
• The LEADER programme where funding is not targeted at any particular group or sector in rural communities but is focused on a thematic approach to rural development. Women’s Sheds may be eligible to apply.
• I would encourage all Women’s Sheds to check my Department’s website www.gov.ie/drcd, and to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN), to ensure they are aware of funding opportunities as they become available.

Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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729. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if there are plans to increase the amount of funding an applicant can apply for under the Building Blocks funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28537/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that this is a matter for the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.

Mark Ward (Dublin Mid West, Sinn Fein)
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730. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the amount allocated to the Building Blocks funding; the amount that was drawn down; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28538/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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I wish to advise the Deputy that this is a matter for the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.