Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the House and thank him for taking this Commencement matter. The Minister of State will be fully aware of the rural social scheme, commonly know as RSS. This scheme is aimed at low-income farmers and fishers. To quality for the RSS, people must be in receipt of a social welfare payment. In return, those participating in the scheme provide services that benefit rural communities. These services are critically important. The areas covered under the schemes are: maintaining and enhancing various walkway routes; energy and conservation work for older people and those at risk of poverty; village and countryside enhancement projects; social care and care for older people projects; community care for preschool and after-school groups; environmental maintenance work; caretaking in community and local sports facilities; and other projects related to cultural and heritage centres. This is an extensive array of arrangements that are needed in communities. They are not just add-ons but critically important functions that do not necessarily require full-time work. Carried out under the rural social scheme, they are worthy of support. The Department is fully aware of the projects under the scheme and they are constantly monitored.

At a local level, the RSS is managed by implementation bodies such as the local development companies, Údarás na Gaeltachta and others. I understand the scheme is soon to be reviewed. The Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Deputy Joe O'Brien, issued a statement that the scheme was under consideration and review. That is important and we need to address how we will review it. There are also areas in which to expand the rural social scheme, for example, biodiversity projects and other projects that are critical in our communities.

The aim here is to extend the scheme to farmers and fishers on the financial margins in order that they can supplement their incomes by doing important and beneficial work in this communities and to acknowledge and formalise that. Participation is voluntary, although a contribution or payment is given, and can be monitored in the best interests of all. I see enormous benefits in extending the scheme and the Minister of State, Deputy Niall Collins, will also see the scheme's benefits and importance. Will he comment on what the review involves, its timescale and if it is intended to extend the scheme?