Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation
Dail Éireann — 2026-09-17
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Seamus Healy (IND), Tipperary South

The decision made by the Minister, Deputy Calleary, to scrap the men's shed grant for 2025-26 has shocked the 500 men's sheds across the country and their local communities. The grant, small as it is, helps toward basic things like rent, insurance, ESB, heating and water. The withdrawal of the grant will have serious consequences for the sheds. Many will have to cut opening hours or reduce activities and some will face closure. As the Minister knows, men's sheds are at the heart of local communities. Of course, they are non-profit. They are places where men can gather to socialise, share skills, build friendships, combat isolation and loneliness and support each other in mental and physical health. The withdrawal of this small grant, which does so much good, beggars belief. It is not good enough. I am asking the Minister, Deputy Calleary, to restore this grant immediately. It is a vital grant. It is a small grant but it does exceptionally good work. It should be restored immediately.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-09-17/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-28T05:50:48+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-09-17