Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 348: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, further to Parliamentary Question No. 545 of 25 April 2006, if all RSS will be entitled to the maximum qualified adult and child dependant allowance; if this will still be dependent on the social welfare rate prior to commencing the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16376/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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As I previously advised the Deputy, as part of a series of changes I recently announced in relation to the Rural Social Scheme (RSS), the tapering of the adult dependant payments in respect of qualified adults has been removed. Participants on the Scheme will now be paid a full dependant payment where the earnings are below the upper threshold of €250 p.w.

This increase in payment for a qualified adult will be made to all current participants whose spouses are working and earning less than the upper threshold limit with effect from 22nd May 2006. All new claimants whose spouses are working and earning less than the upper limit will start on the full adult dependant rate from the date of commencement on the Scheme.

Participants on the RSS who are receiving a full adult dependant allowance will also receive a full child dependant payment. Participants who do not qualify for the adult dependant allowance — because their spouse is earning over €250 weekly — will receive half rate child dependant allowance.

These arrangements apply only to participants on the RSS.