Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 March 2012
128 Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Social Protection when she intends to increase the numbers on the rural social scheme in view of the benefits this scheme has had on rural communities around the country; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17405/12]
View answerThe purpose of the rural social scheme is to provide income support for farmers and fisherpersons who have an entitlement to specified social welfare payments. Persons are engaged for 19½ hours per week to provide certain services of benefit to rural communities. The scheme currently provides work opportunities for around 2,600 participants and 130 supervisory staff. I have no plans to increase the number of places available on this scheme. The funds allocated for 2012 amount to €45.66m, which should enable the scheme to continue as in previous years but does not allow for the recruitment of additional participants above the numbers stated above. These funds meet the pay costs of participants and supervisors, provision of materials, insurance, health and safety, training and related operational costs.
