Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014
1136. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Health if he has given consideration to developing or supporting a social farming scheme or schemes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34790/14]
View answerI am familiar with the Social Farming Across Borders project, as I met with the organisation involved on 27 May last.
The Deputy will be aware that this pilot project was funded by the EU and involved various agencies, on a partnership basis, in the educational, rural development, and health and personal social services spheres. The HSE was supportive of this pilot project through the provision of local expertise and advice in relation to mental health or disability service issues.
Arising from the meeting in May, it was agreed that Social Farming Across Borders would review the outcomes of the pilot project and consider all issues surrounding sustainability of the concept, including possible or appropriate future funding sources. This review might lead to submission of a detailed Business Case to the HSE for the Executive's consideration, in light of its service priorities and overall resource availability. This would include consideration by the Executive of its existing, or planned, community-based initiatives of a similar nature to enhance mental health or disability services generally.
In the circumstances, it would be matter for the organisation to pursue this issue with the HSE. The Executive will keep the Department of Health informed of any developments.
