Joan Collins
Ceist:135. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection if a representative of the rural social scheme supervisors will be included in the imminent review of the rural social scheme. [24508/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 17 May 2022
Ceisteanna (135)
Freagraí scríofa
The Rural Social Scheme (RSS) is an income support initiative providing part-time employment opportunities for farmers or fishermen/women in receipt of certain social welfare payments, and underemployed in their primary occupation, within their local area in community and voluntary organisations.
The RSS scheme plays an important role in rural communities, with participants having the opportunity to improve existing skills, or develop new skills, whilst performing valuable work in their local communities. At the same time, communities benefit from the skills and talents of local farmers and fishermen, and individual community groups have benefited from the many projects undertaken through the programme.
An operational review of the RSS Programme will take place in 2022.
My officials met with union representatives on the 6th April last and discussed a number of issues relating to a number of schemes supported by the Department, including the RSS review. At that meeting, it was made clear that the review will involve consultation with scheme representatives to ensure that the views of those working on the ground on schemes, along with those of other stakeholders, informs the review.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.