Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2018
103. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when the allocation of the additional 250 rural social scheme places will be announced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8414/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDeputies on all sides of the House are fully aware of the positive benefits derived from schemes like the Rural Social Scheme (RSS). In recognition of the crucial work undertaken in rural communities under the scheme, and as part of the social welfare budget package for 2018, I announced an increase in the weekly rate of payment for participants from March together with an additional 250 places to be rolled out this year. Taking into account the 500 additional places already allocated as part of the social welfare Budget 2017, this brings the total number of RSS places to 3,350, nearly 30% of an increase in the last two years. The distribution of the 250 additional places to be allocated to the Implementing Bodies (IBs), who deliver the scheme at a local level on behalf of the Department, will be known within the next 2 weeks. The places will be allocated taking a number of factors into consideration including the number of places already allocated, the demand for places in particular areas, work opportunities available within communities and the numbers of farmers and fishermen in receipt of income support.
While the IBs have responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the scheme, including recruitment, my Department will work closely with them to ensure that all places are filled along with the additional 250 places to be allocated.
As the Deputy knows, the scheme has played an important role in sustaining rural communities. Participants have the opportunity to improve existing skills, or develop new skills, while performing valuable work in their local communities. In tandem, communities benefit from the skills and talents of local farmers and fishermen and community groups have benefitted from the many projects undertaken through the scheme with minimal cost to the Exchequer.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
