Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
680. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has considered the implications of the six-year rule which was introduced in 2017 that will see participants forced off the rural social scheme in 2023; if she will reconsider this rule and allow these participants continue on the scheme; if not, the alternatives her Department is proposing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42021/21]
View answerThe Rural Social Scheme (RSS) is an income support scheme providing part-time employment opportunities for farmers or fishers in receipt of certain social welfare payments, and who are underemployed in their primary occupation, within their local area, in community and voluntary organisations. RSS participants have the opportunity to improve and develop new or existing skills, while performing this valuable work in their local communities.
During 2017 and 2018 the number of places funded on RSS was increased by 750, bringing the total number of places available to 3,350. A six-year time limit was also introduced at that time for new RSS participants with effect from February 2017. Prior to the introduction of the six year time limit, an RSS participant could remain on the RSS scheme for a significant part of their working life. This had the effect of restricting the turnover of places on RSS and thereby reducing the opportunities for potential new entrants.
The Department plans to review the RSS in 2022.
