Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 34: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will report on the success or otherwise of the rural social scheme to date; the number of participants on the scheme at present; if he has satisfied himself with the level of awareness of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1924/05]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The rural social scheme, the details of which were announced in May 2004, accepted its first participants in July 2004 and the numbers have been increasing steadily since then. There are 1,114 participants on the scheme at present. There are 36 implementing bodies throughout the country and of those 27 have commenced projects under the scheme to date.

In addition, all 36 implementing bodies are working to ensure that there is a high level of awareness of the scheme in their respective communities. This is being achieved with the co-operation of the local social welfare offices which have sent information regarding the scheme to all recipients of farm assist. Advertisements have appeared in local newspapers and community publications and a number of the implementing bodies have held public information awareness meetings. I also avail of opportunities regularly to raise awareness about the scheme in relevant public fora.

I consider that substantial progress has been made in this period of time. I expect the participant numbers will continue to increase and that all 2,500 places will be availed of in the near future.