Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The committee welcomes the opportunity to discuss the recent review of the rural social scheme. This scheme is an income-support scheme that provides part-time employment opportunities for under-employed farmers and fishers who receive specific social welfare payments. There are three key findings in this review. The RSS provides an important social-inclusion and income-support function for low-income farmers and fishers. The RSS delivers key community services including maintenance of sporting facilities, community recreation areas and way-marked walking routes to rural communities. The declining participation since 2019 is causing concern that rural communities may be left without key community services.

I welcome the Minister of State at the Department of Social Protection, Deputy Joe O'Brien, and his officials to the meeting. I invite the Minister of State to make his opening statement.