Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
1412. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her plans to revise the rural social scheme eligibility rules to allow extended members of farming families, such as nephews and nieces of the herd owner, to participate on the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15232/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Rural Social Scheme (RSS) is an income support initiative to provide part-time employment opportunities for farmers or fishermen who are in receipt of certain social welfare payments and are underemployed in their primary occupation. The work undertaken is primarily to support local service provision via community, voluntary and not-for-profit organisations, provided that this does not displace existing service provision or employment.
In order to be eligible to participate on the RSS, participants must be actively farming/ fishing and have an entitlement to an underlying qualifying DEASP payment. An eligible farmer must also have a valid herd number. Participation is by voluntary self-selection and is dependent on the availability of vacancies in the relevant locality.
There is provision under the scheme for an eligible applicant to use a herd number belonging to a spouse, parent or a sibling provided they satisfy the other conditions of the scheme, including being actively farming. There are no plans to extend the scheme to nephews and nieces of the herd owner. This is to ensure that access to limited places is available for those who need it most.
The Deputy will appreciate that there is significant demand for places on the RSS and only people who satisfy the conditions can be considered for participation. However, it should be noted that my Department keeps all aspects of its programmes under review to ensure the best outcomes for participants and communities.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
