Written Answers Nos. 185-206
185. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Health If there is any process that would allow the appointment of a GP to carry out house calls to a wheelchair user in Kildare who has extreme difficulty in accessing the local clinic. [69182/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraGPs are private practitioners, most of whom hold a GMS contract with the HSE for the provision of GP services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders.
Under the GMS contract, GPs must be available to provide services in their practice premises or by way of home visits, as appropriate, for their medical card and GP visit card patients. They must also make arrangements to enable contact to be made with them, or a locum/deputy, for urgent cases outside of these hours. It is a matter for the GP to decide whether it is appropriate to see the patient in his/her surgery or in the patient's home based on clinical need.
Persons who do not hold a medical card or GP visit card access GP services on a private basis. Services provided outside of the GMS contract are a matter of private contract between the patient and the GP concerned.
It is worth noting that the Government have undertaken measures to increase the number of GPs practising across the country and to thereby improve access to GP services in general. These measures include significant additional investment in general practice under the 2019 and 2023 GP GMS Agreements, successive increases in new entrant GP training places, and the ongoing recruitment of GPs from abroad under the International Medical Graduate (IMG) Rural GP Programme.
186. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if a drug (details supplied) is currently available for reimbursement to eligible patients in Ireland; the current status and outcome of its assessment for reimbursement; whether Irish residents receiving clinically indicated cancer treatment in Northern Ireland can have the cost of the drug covered by the State where the medicine is not reimbursed in Ireland; and whether the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme or any other State mechanism can cover the cost of the medicine. [69177/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to investing in new medicines. Budgets 2021-2025 allocated €158 million for new drugs. This has facilitated the introduction of 250 new medicines/ new uses for existing medicines, including 101 for oncology and 70 for rare diseases. As you will be aware, this investment largely reflects the initial in year expenditure associated with a drug approved in any given year - the actual budget implications for each drug approval are considerably higher over a number of years.
Budget 2026 allocated €30 million of funding available for new drugs to be allocated from the overall additional €217 million in funding provided this for the medicines budget. This has enabled the funding of 40 new medicines/ new uses for existing medicines, including 17 for oncology and 9 for rare diseases, for the period from January 2026-3rd September 2026.
There are formal processes which govern applications for the pricing and reimbursement of medicines, and new uses of existing medicines, to be funded and / or reimbursed. The HSE is the statutory decision maker for the pricing and reimbursement of new medicines under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The HSE considers the criteria set out in the Act.
In terms of the specific details of the applications for pricing and reimbursement of Selpercatnib:
NSCLC
The HSE received a complete application for pricing and reimbursement on the 27th June 2025 from Eli Lilly (the applicant) for selpercatinib (Retsevmo®) indicated as monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with advanced rearranged during transfection (RET) fusion-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) not previously treated with a RET inhibitor (HTA ID 25035).
Further information on the progress of selpercatinib (Retsevmo®) through the HSE assessment and approval processes for the above indication is available via the Pricing and Reimbursement Application tracker available at https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/information-healthcare-workers/pcrs/corporate-pharmaceutical-unit/ . HSE application ID HSE100050 has been assigned to this application
Medullary Thyroid Cancer
The HSE received a complete application for pricing and reimbursement on the 27th June 2025 from Eli Lilly (the applicant) for selpercatinib (Retsevmo®) indicated for adults and adolescents 12 years and older with advanced RET-mutant medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) (HTA ID 25034a).
Further information on the progress of selpercatinib (Retsevmo®) through the HSE assessment and approval processes for the above indication is available via the Pricing and Reimbursement Application tracker available at https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/information-healthcare-workers/pcrs/corporate-pharmaceutical-unit/ . HSE application ID HSE100051 has been assigned to this application.
Thyroid Cancer
• The HSE received a complete application for pricing and reimbursement on the 27th June 2025 from Eli Lilly for selpercatinib (Retsevmo®) indicated for adults and adolescents 12 years and older with advanced RET fusion-positive thyroid cancer (TC) who are radioactive iodine-refractory (if radioactive iodine is appropriate) (HTA ID 25034b).
• Further information on the progress of selpercatinib (Retsevmo®) through the HSE assessment and approval processes for the above indication is available via the Pricing and Reimbursement Application tracker available at https://healthservice.hse.ie/staff/information-healthcare-workers/pcrs/corporate-pharmaceutical-unit/ . HSE application ID HSE100052 has been assigned to this application.
These applications remain under consideration with the HSE. The HSE cannot make any comment on possible outcomes from the ongoing process.
The Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme (NIPHS) has been in effective operation since 1 January 2021. This Scheme was introduced to mitigate the loss of access to care from private providers in Northern Ireland under the EU Cross Border Directive, which ceased to apply as a result of the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union. The current administrative scheme enables persons ordinarily resident in the State to access and be reimbursed by the HSE for private healthcare in Northern Ireland, provided such healthcare is publicly available within Ireland. The HSE provides further information on the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme on the following webpage: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/niphs/
188. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health the estimated reduction in income to public hospitals arising from the removal of private practice from public hospitals in each of the years 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 to date; the projected reduction for 2027 and 2028; and the basis on which the estimate of approximately €140 million for 2026 was calculated, in tabular form. [69201/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
189. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health the number of private inpatient and day case discharges from public acute hospitals; and the income received from private health insurers in respect of those discharges, in each of the years 2021 to 2026 to date, by hospital; in tabular form. [69202/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
190. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health the value of claims submitted by public and voluntary hospitals to private health insurers that remain unpaid; the value of such claims that were written off, in each of the years 2021 to 2026 to date, by hospital; and the principal reasons for non-payment, including the late or non-submission of claim forms, in tabular form. [69203/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
191. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health the number of consultants employed in public hospitals by contract type, including the public only consultant contract 2023 and each category of the consultant contract 2008, in each of the years 2023 to 2026, by health region; the number who retain an entitlement to private practice in public hospitals, in tabular form. [69204/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
193. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health the measures in place to ensure that claims to private health insurers in respect of private patients treated in public hospitals are completed and submitted within the required period; whether recovery of this income is monitored as part of hospital performance management; and the steps being taken to recover claims reported as unpaid over the past five years. [69206/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
194. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Health to outline, in detail, the new spending and recruitment controls referenced in a media report (details supplied); and to clarify if these new measures will apply to all HSE regions or just the four HSE regions in which spending controls already apply. [69270/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
195. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) on a State pension is eligible for hearing aids. [69258/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive (HSE) Community Audiology Service offers assessment and rehabilitation for adult medical card holders, free of charge. This includes the provision, fitting and repair of appropriate hearing aids.
In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE, primarily based on an assessment of means.
The HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances.
The HSE afford applicants the opportunity to furnish supporting documentation to determine whether undue hardship exists and to fully take account of all relevant circumstances that may benefit them in assessment.
The Treatment Benefit scheme is funded by the Social Insurance Fund and administered by the Department of Social Protection. The scheme provides certain dental, optical, and medical appliance benefits to qualified people who have the required number of PRSI contributions.
This includes up to €1,000 for a pair of hearing aids, and up to €100 toward repairs, within a 4-year calendar period.
Changes to the Treatment Benefit Scheme, including the level of the grant, or qualifying thresholds, etc, would be a matter for the Minister for Social Protection.
196. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Health the reason there is no 24/7 Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) in the HSE Midwest region; the resources she will allocate to establish such a service; and to provide a clear timeline for its establishment to stop the current denial of treatment to victims unless they report their assault to An Garda Síochána. [69257/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, this PQ is referred to the HSE for direct response to the deputy.
197. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health whether her Department or the health insurance authority has assessed the effect of reduced private activity in public hospitals on private health insurance premiums, on the number of people holding private health insurance, and on demand for capacity in private hospitals; and if such an assessment will be published. [69207/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe removal of private practice from public hospitals is a core principle of Sláintecare, ensuring that public healthcare facilities are used for public patients only, and that public patients can access public hospitals based on clinical need.
As Minister for Health, I am also responsible for the legal framework governing the private health insurance market. The Health Insurance Authority (HIA) maintains regulatory oversight of insurers and monitors developments in the private health insurance market, advising me in relation to such matters.
The private health insurance market operates on a competitive, commercial basis. Insurers set their premiums in line with their own commercial decisions and strategies, within the framework of the Health Insurance Act 1994, as amended.
Health insurance companies generally base their premium prices on their expected claims experience for the next 12 months. They make predictions based on the number of persons in the market, their age profile, what healthcare services they will require in the coming year and the prices of such services, and price their premiums accordingly. Healthcare costs rise annually due to increasing hospital charges, more expensive treatments and technologies, higher wages and increased operating costs. Insurers factor all these costs into their pricing strategies.
As Minister for Health, I have no role in the commercial decision-making of private health insurers, including decisions on premium prices.
In its most recent Market Bulletin, the Health Insurance Authority noted that while the number of individuals holding private health insurance remains higher than a year ago, the latest figures may indicate that the market is entering a period of slower growth. The Authority has not attributed this to any one particular factor. The Health Insurance Authority continues to monitor developments in the private health insurance market and reports regularly on market trends. These reports are published on its website, www.hia.ie.
Demand for services and capacity in private hospitals is influenced by a range of factors and is primarily a commercial matter for the private hospitals concerned.
198. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health whether protein-based Covid vaccines for people who cannot tolerate mRNA vaccines will be added to the 2026 vaccination programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [69313/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
199. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Health if she will consider extending the national shingles vaccination programme to provide free vaccination to all people aged 65 and over; the current eligibility criteria; and the estimated cost to the State of extending eligibility. [69338/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Immunisation Programme does not currently provide the shingles vaccine.
The immunisation programme in Ireland is informed by the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). NIAC considers the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland as well as international best practice in relation to immunisation when developing its advice
The current NIAC guidelines state that the shingles vaccine may be considered for those aged 65 years and older, due to the greater burden and severity of disease in this age group and in those aged 18 years and older at increased risk of shingles.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has carried out a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on the herpes zoster vaccine which protects against shingles. A HTA is a multidisciplinary research process that collects and summarises information about a health technology. HIQA’s HTA examined the evidence on the clinical effectiveness and safety of shingles vaccines. The cost effectiveness and budget impact were also reviewed, along with the ethical, social and organisational implications of including the vaccine in the adult immunisation schedule.
HIQA published this HTA on 19 July 2024. The HTA found that adding the shingles vaccine to the routine immunisation schedule, at the vaccine price at the time, for all adults aged 65 years and over would not be cost effective and would be associated with a substantial budget impact.
While the vaccine is considered safe and effective, its protective effect diminishes over time. HIQA also noted the substantial budget impact associated with vaccination. If made available to everyone aged 65 and older, vaccination would cost €218 million over five years.
Whilst the HTA found that the introduction of the shingles vaccine was not cost effective based on the cost of the vaccine, it found that it could be cost effective for vaccination of those at 75 years and 80 years if the cost of the vaccine was reduced by 80%.
Given that the healthcare budget is finite and decisions regarding increased spending relating to a change in one area could impact the provision of other health technologies and treatments within the healthcare system, the cost-effectiveness must be considered in any decision-making process.
My Department considered the findings of this HTA in 2024 and determined that the introduction of the vaccine could be reconsidered when the cost effectiveness of the vaccine is confirmed as being more favourable
I can confirm that the introduction of the shingles vaccine to the immunisation schedule in Ireland is again being actively considered for a cohort of immunocompromised individuals, in line with NIAC advice and cognisant of the cost effectiveness of market pricing and available funding.
200. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Health to provide for medical cards for lung fibrosis patients in Budget 2027. [69556/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedical card provision is primarily based on financial assessment. In accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE, which assesses each application on a qualifying financial threshold. This is the amount of money that an individual can earn per week and still qualify for a card. It is specific to the individual’s own financial circumstances.
People under 70 are assessed under the general means tested medical card thresholds which are based on an applicant’s household income after deduction of tax, PRSI and Universal Social Charge. Certain expenses are also taken into account. Detailed guidelines are available at: Assessment for a medical card - HSE.ie www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/applying/assessment/ People aged 70 or older are assessed under medical card income thresholds which are based on gross income. However, those aged over 70 can also be assessed under the general means tested scheme where there are particularly high medical costs. Details are available at: Medical card for over 70s https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/other-types-of-medical-card/over-70s/
The issue of granting medical cards on the basis of illness or a disability was previously examined in 2014 by the HSE Expert Panel on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility. The Group concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. In following the Expert Group’s advice, a person’s means remains the main qualifier for a medical card.
Every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card - in particular, to take full account of difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. In such circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, for example:
• Discretionary medical cards issued to patients with significant medical expenses but who do not satisfy the means test.
• Emergency medical cards are issued to patients that are terminally ill, or are seriously ill, and in urgent need of medical care that they cannot afford. Further information regarding emergency medical cards can be found at: HSE – Emergency Medical Cards https://www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/medical-cards/other-types-of-medical-card/emergency-medical-cards/
I can assure the Deputy that, to ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, my Department keeps medical card issues under review and any changes are considered in the context of any potential broader implications for Government policy, the annual budgetary estimates process and legislative requirements arising.
201. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Health to detail the financial and other resources, provided by her Department to sexual assault units, by county, in each of the years 2023 to 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [69110/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, this PQ is referred to the HSE for direct response to the deputy.
202. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the status of a SUSI grant application for a person (details supplied); the reason for the extensive four-month delay and repeated requests for duplicate documentation from the applicant; if a review of the file will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69042/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe main support available to students is the statutory based Student Grant Scheme which is administered by SUSI (Student Universal Support Ireland). Under the terms of the Student Grant Scheme, grant assistance is awarded to students attending an approved course in an approved institution who meet the prescribed conditions for funding, including those relating to nationality, residency, previous academic attainment and means.
The decision on eligibility for a student grant is a matter, in the first instance, for the awarding authority, SUSI, to determine. As part of the assessment process, SUSI may request supporting documentation to assess an applicant's eligibility for a grant.
An official from my Department has advised that SUSI received an application for grant funding from the student referred to by the Deputy on 29 June 2026.
The applicant declared in their application that they were entering year three of their course in the 2026/2027 academic year, and that they would be required to complete a period of off-campus placement as a compulsory part of their course.
In a letter to the applicant on 14 July 2026, SUSI requested additional documentation in relation to advanced entry/previous academic history and information relating to their off-campus placement.
I am advised that additional documentation was received on 12 August 2026 and 28 August 2026. Following review of this documentation, some of the information requested to complete the assessment of the application remained outstanding. Accordingly, a letter was issued on 17 September 2026 seeking the details necessary to enable SUSI to finalise its assessment of the application. Once SUSI receives this documentation, they will be queued for review by SUSI’s assessment team.
Applicants who are unsure of the information or documentation required to assess their eligibility are encouraged to contact SUSI directly for assistance.
203. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to provide an update on the Student Accommodation Implementation Plan which is referenced in the National Student Accommodation Strategy; the details of the implementation plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69050/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026-2035 was published in March 2026, establishing a framework to address student accommodation supply, viability and affordability. Work is underway to establish an Interdepartmental Implementation Group to provide oversight and coordination of the Strategy’s implementation. Upon establishment the group will be provided with a long-term implementation plan for consideration which will be aligned with the Strategy's table of actions.
Since publication of the Strategy the focus has been on implementation.
• The Higher Education Institution Student Accommodation Programme (HSAP) has been established, and a programme board has been put in place to oversee implementation
• The Higher Education Authority (HEA) is supporting detailed site assessments and progressing potential on-campus accommodation projects with institutions.
• The National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) have supported market engagement with developers to inform programme planning.
• Recent research commissioned by my Department on participation in the Rent-a-Room Relief Scheme informed the "Rethink the Room" communications campaign which I launched ahead of this academic year. The campaign seeks to unlock additional digs accommodation, and more than 5,000 digs beds are now advertised through higher education institutions nationwide.
• Higher education institutions have been requested to prepare institution-specific student accommodation strategies aligned with the Strategy.
• The Short-Term Activation Programme is progressing. 116 beds have already been delivered in Maynooth University. A 493-bed student accommodation development at University College Dublin (UCD) is currently under construction. In addition, I recently approved a 358-bed project at Trinity College Dublin (TCD) to progress to tender stage.
• In the six months since I launched the Strategy, 419 additional private student beds have been delivered. The Higher Education Authority's building information data for August 2026 reports that 2,821 student beds, across both public and private developments, are currently under construction nationwide, with a further 333 beds having recently commenced.
• In respect of affordability my Department published a paper outlining options to reduce the cost of education for students. I will be considering all levers within my control in the context of the upcoming estimates process.
204. Deputy Rory Hearne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science if the inter-departmental implementation group for the National Student Accommodation Strategy has met to date; to provide a schedule of dates for meetings that have taken place; to provide a schedule of the groups future meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [69051/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Student Accommodation Strategy 2026-2035 was published in March 2026, establishing a framework to address student accommodation supply, viability and affordability. Work is underway to establish an Interdepartmental Implementation Group to provide oversight and coordination of the Strategy’s implementation. At its inaugural meeting, the Group will agree a schedule of meetings going forward.
Since publication of the Strategy the focus has been on implementation.
• The Higher Education Institution Student Accommodation Programme (HSAP) has been established, and a programme board has been put in place to oversee implementation
• The Higher Education Authority (HEA) is supporting detailed site assessments and progressing potential on-campus accommodation projects with institutions.
• The National Development Finance Agency (NDFA) have supported market engagement with developers to inform programme planning.
• Recent research commissioned by my Department on participation in the Rent-a-Room Relief Scheme informed the "Rethink the Room" communications campaign which I launched ahead of this academic year. The campaign seeks to unlock additional digs accommodation, and more than 5,000 digs beds are now advertised through higher education institutions nationwide.
• Higher education institutions have been requested to prepare institution-specific student accommodation strategies aligned with the Strategy.
• The Short-Term Activation Programme is progressing. 116 beds have already been delivered in Maynooth University. A 493-bed student accommodation development at University College Dublin (UCD) is currently under construction. In addition, I recently approved a 358-bed project at Trinity College Dublin (TCD) to progress to tender stage.
• In the six months since I launched the Strategy, 419 additional private student beds have been delivered. The Higher Education Authority's building information data for August 2026 reports that 2,821 student beds, across both public and private developments, are currently under construction nationwide, with a further 333 beds having recently commenced.
• In respect of affordability my Department published a paper outlining options to reduce the cost of education for students. I will be considering all levers within my control in the context of the upcoming estimates process.
205. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht if there is funding available for the upkeep of defibrillators in rural communities to support communities in ensuring these life saving devices are kept up to date and therefore, effective in an emergency situation; and if not, can a funding stream be examined. [69006/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile my Department does not currently operate a dedicated funding stream specifically for the maintenance, repair or servicing of defibrillators, it does provides a range of rural and community investment supports, some of which can be used to support the purchase of equipment such as defibrillators.
The Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) provides small-scale capital and current funding to support community groups and organisations across Ireland, with a particular focus on areas of disadvantage. The programme has supported projects involving the upkeep of defibrillators in previous years. The LEP 2026 is now closed to applications, and my Department is currently considering the arrangements for a Local Enhancement Programme for 2027.
Under the LEADER Programme, community groups can receive funding support for the purchase of defibrillators and training costs associated with their use. Ongoing maintenance and servicing costs for defibrillators are not generally eligible under the programme. Any group that wishes to apply for LEADER funding should contact their nearest Local Action Group, contact details for Local Action Groups are available on my Department's website www.gov.ie/drcdg.
The CLÁR Programme is a targeted investment programme that provides funding for small-scale infrastructural projects in designated rural areas. The purchase of defibrillators may be supported as part of a larger community project under CLÁR; however, ongoing maintenance and servicing costs are not eligible.
Community and voluntary organisations are encouraged to engage with their Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs), Public Participation Networks (PPNs) and Local Development Companies regarding available funding opportunities, and to regularly check my Department's website for details of forthcoming schemes and calls for applications.
Details of all of my Department's schemes are available on my Department's website at gov.ie/drcdg.
206. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht regarding his engagement with and the proposal from an organisation (details supplied) received on 21 September 2026 in relation to the distribution of the funding, when his review of these proposals will be completed. [69088/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that I did receive the proposal from the IMSA on September 21st and Minister Buttimer and I went ahead with an already scheduled meeting with the IMSA on the 22nd September. The proposal was discussed and the meeting was positive and productive. My officials have since met with the IMSA again, and further meetings are planned to discuss their proposals for the 2026 scheme. The review of the proposal is ongoing, and, at this stage, it is not possible to provide a definitive timeframe for its completion.
As I informed the Deputy last week, he can be assured that I and my Department are totally committed to the work of Men's Sheds and also Women's Sheds on the ground. Given that the current distribution of funding has been identified by many individual sheds as cumbersome and being a burden, my priority when considering the future allocation mechanism for Men's Sheds is to ensure that the process is streamlined for the Sheds themselves and that funding is targeted and distributed in an effective and efficient manner.
