Following a review of the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) in 2005, I recently announced major changes to its operation, which will come into effect from 22 May 2006. As part of the changes, the categories of people eligible to participate in the Scheme have been extended and now include: children/siblings of qualifying herd owners; recipients of One-Parent and Widow(ers) payments with a herd number; and adult dependants of non-contributory old age pensioners, who themselves are under 66, and have a herd number.
I understand that the person referred to by the Deputy is in receipt of a Survivor's (Widower's) Contributory Pension. Persons in receipt of this type of payment will become eligible for the RSS under the recent changes announced provided they meet the other eligibility criteria.