I propose to take Questions Nos. 128, 140, 843 and 844 together.
The rural social scheme aims to provide certain services of benefit to rural communities by harnessing the skills and talents available among low income farmers and fishermen and provide income support to low income farmers and fishermen who are in receipt of specified, primarily long-term social welfare payments. I envisage that the arrangements for the scheme will be put in place during the coming weeks.
In my reply to Questions Nos. 122, 133, 171 and 196 on 9 March, I referred to the LEADER groups, and in Gaeltacht areas, an alignment of such groups with Údarás na Gaeltachta as well positioned bodies to deliver the programme locally. That is still my view. Practical arrangements, including the administration and payment systems will be addressed in the context of guidelines for the scheme which are currently being finalised.