Mental Health Bill 2024: Committee Stage (Resumed)
Seanad Éireann — 2026-01-29
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Nicole Ryan (SF), Administrative Panel

To clarify, the cuts in funding do not relate to the Minister of State’s Department because they relate to the ETB. The further education and training centre is registered and it gives out certificates. However, the first things cut were all the activities not associated with accreditation but related to mental health in the rural community, such as singing, dancing and knitting. Since no certificate was given for these, they were cut. This was the saddest thing to see because many people in the rural community just attend to meet friends. Later, they might go on to receive accreditation for various little courses. I was there to give out their certificates at Christmas and they were just so proud. It was so lovely to see older people finding new life, educating themselves and learning something new. The only reason for the cut was that we have a small catchment area. However, the number of people who get accredited there is the highest in Cork county. Are there funds for people who do not get the funding through the ETB?
I am really delighted to hear that the Minister of State is happy to work with me on people’s cases. I reached out to her office before Christmas. I realise she is really busy but I will reach out again just to highlight a few of the cases to see what can be done about them. I appreciate the Minister of State’s engagement and thank her.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2026-01-29/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:54:34+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-01-29