There are currently 2,362 participants on the Rural Social Scheme (RSS). The rate of payment an RSS participant is entitled to is determined by their personal/family circumstances and is based on their qualifying payment from the Department of Social & Family Affairs at the time of joining the Scheme and an appropriate top-up payment from the RSS. In this regard, the Deputy should note that the RSS matches any entitlement to adult/child dependant increase(s) that were paid by the Department of Social & Family Affairs. The current weekly rates payable under the RSS are as follows:
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€
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Participant without adult or child dependants:
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190.20
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Participant with adult dependant:
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300.20
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Each child dependant (full rate):
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16.80
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Each child dependant (half rate):
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8.40
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An amount of €43.322m has been provided in my Department's Estimates for the RSS in 2006.