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.

Deputies Healy and Roche have referenced, and I reiterate, the importance of our men's sheds. I acknowledge the significant contribution they make within our communities, particularly for the men who avail of the services. I do not think they see it as services; it is a place for them to go to engage, address and talk about issues that are important to them, as well as engaging in activities. I will raise the Deputy's concerns directly with the Minister. I have no doubt, as there are various strands of funding that have been allocated over the years, particularly in the Department of Health as well as the Department of rural affairs, directly to the men's sheds, that we will continue to support and fund men's sheds and support their growth. How that is done and what funding stream will be decided in the upcoming budget, but I will raise the Deputy's concerns directly with the Minister, Deputy Calleary.