Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 December 2006
148 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of people participating in the social and rural scheme nationally; and the number participating in each county. [42106/06]
Amharc ar fhreagra149 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the way he will address the anomaly by which persons in receipt of invalidity, lone parent and old age benefits can only receive a maximum of €24.40 for 19.5 hours work per week. [42125/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 148 and 149 together.
As of last Friday, 1 December, there were 2,593 participants on the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) out of the 2,600 places currently available. The number of participants on a county basis is set out in the table.
Participants in receipt of One ParentFamily Benefit, Disability Allowance and Widow's/Widower's Pension receive a top-up payment under the RSS. However, the Deputy should note that this payment is in addition their weekly social welfare payment which they continue to receive while on the Scheme. The RSS is also recognised as a qualifying payment for the purpose of assessing entitlement to certain secondary benefits, such as medical card, fuel allowance, back to school clothing and footwear allowance. The entitlement of RSS participants to such secondary benefits is, of course, a matter for the relevant paying authority i.e. the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Health Service Executive.
Participants on the Scheme, who are in receipt of the benefits/allowances referred to above, are receiving a total weekly payment appropriate to their circumstances, as determined by the Department of Social and Family Affairs.
|
County |
Participant |
|
Carlow |
14 |
|
Cavan |
81 |
|
Clare |
115 |
|
Cork |
168 |
|
Donegal |
229 |
|
Galway |
270 |
|
Kerry |
279 |
|
Kildare |
22 |
|
Kilkenny |
19 |
|
Laois |
25 |
|
Leitrim |
100 |
|
Limerick |
75 |
|
Longford |
56 |
|
Louth |
10 |
|
Mayo |
574 |
|
Meath |
15 |
|
Monaghan |
38 |
|
Offaly |
47 |
|
Offshore Islands |
15 |
|
Roscommon |
146 |
|
Sligo |
122 |
|
Tipperary |
66 |
|
Waterford |
11 |
|
Westmeath |
34 |
|
Wexford |
43 |
|
Wicklow |
19 |
|
Total |
2,593 |
