Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 January 2010
238 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the allowances that could be claimed by persons participating in the rural social scheme in each of the past three years; and the allowance rate, criteria and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2651/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra239 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the allowances persons participating in the rural social scheme may claim; the criteria, payment rate and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2652/10]
Amharc ar fhreagra240 Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if allowances paid previously to persons participating in the rural social schemes have been cut or amended; the potential monetary effect this has on participants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2653/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 238, 239 and 240, inclusive, together.
Following the recent Budget, adjustments have been made to payments and allowances under the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) to reflect the adjustments made to social welfare payments. The payments under the RSS from 2007 to 2010 are set out in the following table.
While other allowances may be payable to RSS participants by other Departments/Agencies in certain circumstances e.g. Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, no such allowances are paid directly to RSS participants in respect of clothing, boots, shoes, etc.
Since the inception of the RSS in 2004, a materials grant to cover ancillary costs such as travel and health & safety equipment has been paid to the Implementing Bodies who administer the Scheme at local level on behalf of my Department. This grant was paid at the weekly rate of €15.24 per participant per week up to 2008. In 2009, in the context of the availability of resources, the materials grant was set at €11.63 per participant per week. In this context, the Deputy should note that guidance was issued to the Implementing Bodies to prioritise essentials such as health & safety requirements. This could include safety clothing and boots for participants, where appropriate.
|
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Maximum Personal Rate |
210.20 |
222.30 |
228.70 |
216.00 |
|
Allowance in respect of an Adult Dependant |
123.30 |
131.30 |
135.60 |
130.10 |
|
Allowance in respect of each Child Dependant (Full-Rate) |
22.00 |
24.00 |
26.00 |
29.80 |
|
Allowance in respect of each Child Dependant (Half-Rate) |
11.00 |
12.00 |
13.00 |
14.90 |
|
Free Fuel Allowance |
18.00 |
18.00 |
20.00 |
20.00 |
