Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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389. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to review an application (details supplied) under the 2026 Rural Innovation and Development Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23320/26]

Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael)
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Social farming has been shown to provide benefits to participants such as improved community connections and relationships, increased self-esteem and capacity, improved health and well-being as well as providing the opportunity to develop occupational and life skills from engaging in farm-based activities.

My Department has recently published the Call for Tender for Social Farming model projects. The tender submission deadline is 24/04/26 at 12:00.

Funding of €377,000 is available this year subject to a maximum of €150,000 for any one project. There will be an option to extend contracts awarded for a further four years.

Each eligible tender received will be evaluated in accordance with public procurement guidelines as published by the Office for Government Procurement.