The Rural Social scheme (RSS) provides opportunities for farmers and fishermen 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 the participants have the opportunity to improve existing skills, or develop new skills, while performing this valuable work in their local communities.
A six-year time limit was introduced for new entrants to the RSS scheme with effect from 1st February 2017. Prior to this an RSS participant could spend their entire working life on the scheme, resulting in a very limited turnover of places and few opportunities for new entrants. The six year participation limit ensures that opportunities are made available to participate in the scheme for new entrants to the scheme who may satisfy the qualifying criteria. RSS participants who commenced on the scheme prior to 1st February 2017 can remain on the scheme for as long as they continue to remain eligible.
I would like to reiterate that I and the Department strongly support the work being done through the RSS and the vital role such schemes are playing in local communities, including supporting social services across the entire country. Eligibility criteria for all of the Department's employment support schemes are regularly reviewed to ensure the best outcomes for both participants and their communities.
