961. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if his Department will consider granting additional funding to the 484 Men’s Sheds in the coming year to support the vital work that they are doing in their communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53621/26]

I recognise the important work carried out by Men’s Sheds and remain committed to supporting their valuable work in communities across the country.

My department provides funding to Men’s Sheds under various funding supports, including:

• The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP);

• The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) 2024 - 2028; and

• The LEADER programme.

Men’s Sheds can apply individually for all of these schemes.

In addition to these schemes, last May, I announced details of the individual Men’s Sheds who received funding from my department provided through the Irish Men’s Sheds Association (IMSA), to assist with their running costs.

Officials in my department have confirmed that they are currently reviewing a proposal received from the IMSA for further funding in 2026. It will be considered in the context of the overall resources available for Men's Sheds within my Department.

My department also provides funding directly to the IMSA under the Scheme to Support National Organisations (SSNO). The SSNO provides multi-annual funding towards core costs of national, community and voluntary organisations. The current iteration of the SSNO commenced on 1 July 2026, with funding of €297,766 over the three-years and 6 month period being provided to the IMSA.

I would encourage all Men's Sheds to check my department’s website: []www.gov.ie/drcdg

and to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Local Development Companies and Public Participation Networks (PPN), to ensure they are aware of relevant funding opportunities as they become available.