I propose to take Questions Nos. 889 and 890 together.
The Rural Social Scheme (RSS) provides opportunities for farmers and fishermen/women who are currently in receipt of specified social welfare payments to work to provide certain services of benefit to rural communities. Communities benefit from the skills and talents of local farmers and fishermen and participants have the opportunity to improve existing skills, or develop new skills, while performing this valuable work in their local communities.
The Tús scheme provides work placements for a twelve month period for those who are fully unemployed and on the live register for a year or more. The Tús initiative helps break the cycle of long-term unemployment by providing a work routine and valuable work experience.
It is recognised by Government that both Tús and RSS are positive initiatives that enable participants to make a significant contribution to their communities whilst up-skilling themselves for prospective future employment.
As part of the recently announced July stimulus package, an additional 3,000 places on State employment schemes such as Community Employment schemes and Tús was announced. There are no plans to increase the number of places available on RSS at present as there are currently 3,128 participants on the scheme which has a capacity for 3,350 participants in total.
My Department continues to review all aspects of its activation and employment support programmes to ensure their most effective delivery and the best outcomes for both participants and communities.