Michael Cahill (Kerry, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister. I welcome the proposed increase in age limits. That is welcome. The scheme should now be made more flexible to include all people living in rural Ireland on low incomes. The RSS delivers to rural communities key community services including the maintenance of sporting facilities, community recreation areas and waymarked walking routes. Declining participation since 2019 is causing a concern that rural communities may be left without key community services.

The report includes 19 recommendations to address the sustainability of the RSS to continue providing income support. Will the Minister provide an update on the implementation of the recommendations on income support? The review also recommended an extension of the RSS to environmental initiatives and that consideration be given to the feasibility of establishing a grant fund that would be available for work on biodiversity initiatives. Is that happening?

I wish to avail of this opportunity to call for better pay and conditions for he supervisors who run these important schemes and without whom the RSS would not be the great success story that it is today.

See this speech in context