Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The RSS implementing bodies undertake a diverse range of activities including the regeneration and enhancement of community spaces, environmental maintenance work and the staffing of cultural, tourism and heritage sites. I acknowledge the excellent work undertaken and the contribution these schemes and their workers make to communities across the country.

The RSS has a budget of more than €51 million in 2023 and currently has more than 2,800 participants. The Deputy will be aware that the six-year participation limit was removed prior to the commencement of the review. I set up and RSS review steering group late last year, which comprises a range of key stakeholders representing statutory, voluntary, community and farming organisations, with an independent chair to oversee the group. The RSS review will examine the current and future role of the scheme and the changes required to ensure its continuing relevance in a changing economic and environmental landscape. In addition it can make recommendations as to the most appropriate resourcing, governance and management arrangements for the scheme.

A consultation process is currently under way with an online survey issuing to scheme supervisors, participants, implementing bodies and placement providers. Additionally, interested parties will be invited to make written submissions on a number of key themes that have been identified by the steering group. Consideration is also being given to holding a number of themed focus groups and workshops. We will hold an event later this year to facilitate those groups and workshops.

It is anticipated that the review will be completed by the end of the year. I look forward to receiving the review report, and expect that the recommendations will focus on ensuring the best outcomes for participants and their local communities going forward.

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