Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 19: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will report on the success of the rural social scheme to date; the number of participants on the scheme; if he has satisfied himself with the level of awareness of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6968/05]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The 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. I consider that substantial progress has been made in this period of time. There are currently 1,461 participants on the rural social scheme. There are 36 implementing bodies throughout the country and of those so far 32 have commenced projects under the scheme to date.

In addition, all 36 implementing bodies are continuing their work in ensuring that there is a high level of awareness of the scheme in their communities. I also continue to avail of opportunities regularly to raise awareness about the scheme in relevant public fora.

I expect the participant numbers will continue to increase and that all 2,500 will be availed of in the near future.