Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The rural social scheme is a very important part of rural communities all along the western seaboard and indeed, in many counties, including Cavan and Monaghan. To get on the scheme, applicants have to qualify for farm assist payments. Those on the scheme get a top-up payment for doing very valuable work in their communities. The payment is perhaps €20 or something very small. It is of great value to the communities. A six-year cap has been in place since 2017, so individuals can only be part of the scheme for six years. I ask that when people reach 60 years of age, or 61 or 62, they be allowed to finish out their time on the scheme until they reach pensionable age

Throughout the country they work on graveyards, green areas and approaches to villages.

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