Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
1411. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to abolish the six-year rule for participants in the rural social scheme over 55 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15231/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe rural social scheme (RSS) provides opportunities for farmers and fishermen/women who are currently in receipt of specified social welfare payments to work to provide certain services of benefit to rural communities. Communities benefit from the skills and talents of local farmers and fishermen and participants have the opportunity to improve existing skills, or develop new skills, while performing this valuable work in their local communities
Since 1st February 2017, all participants commencing on the RSS have to be over 25 years of age and a 6 year overall participation limit on the work scheme also applies. This new measure ensures that places become available to provide opportunities for other farmers and fishermen to take part in the scheme. Currently, there are no plans to change the eligibility conditions for persons over 55 years of age. RSS participants who commenced on the scheme prior to 1st February 2017 will remain on the scheme, as long as they continue to remain eligible for the scheme. To be eligible to participate on the RSS, an individual must satisfy the qualifying criteria for the scheme. This includes having an entitlement to one of the qualifying social welfare payments, be actively farming and maintaining an underlying entitlement to Farm/Fish Assist.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
