Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 October 2017
689. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if, in cases in which rural developments have not taken up their full allocation of places, whether they can be transferred to companies that are looking for additional persons (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42961/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the rural social scheme, RSS, is to provide income support to farmers and fishermen and women who have an entitlement to specified social welfare payments. As the Deputy is aware, in recognition of the crucial work undertaken in rural communities under the RSS and as part of the social welfare budget package for 2017, an additional 500 places were made available with effect from 1 February 2017, increasing the overall number of places on RSS from 2,600 to 3,100.
The additional places were allocated taking into account a number of factors, including the number of places already allocated, the demand for new places in particular areas, work opportunities available in local areas and the numbers of farmers and fishermen/women in receipt of income support.
While the overall responsibility for the operation of the RSS rests with the Department, it is implemented at a local level by 35 Local Development Companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta in the Gaeltacht areas (known as the Implementing Bodies, IB). Accordingly, the relevant IB has responsibility for the day-to-day operation of each scheme, including the recruitment of eligible participants.
At this point, all of the IBs have plans in place to fully utilise the places available to them and, therefore, there are no plans at present for the re-distribution of unfilled places. However, my Department will keep the position under review.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
