Written answers

Wednesday, 10 May 2006

Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs

Departmental Schemes

9:00 pm

Photo of Michael RingMichael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 59: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if he will extend the eligibility criteria for the rural social scheme to include all widows or widowers irrespective of how long they have been unemployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17596/06]

Photo of Éamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Following a review of the Rural Social Scheme in 2005, I recently announced major changes to its operation, which will come into effect from 22nd May 2006. As part of the changes, the categories of people eligible to participate in the Scheme have been extended and now include: children/siblings of qualifying herd owners; recipients of One-Parent and Widow(ers) payments with a herd number; and adult dependants of non-contributory old age pensioners, who themselves are under 66, and have a herd number. The Deputy should note, therefore, that the length of time a widow/widower has been unemployed does not affect their eligibility to participate on the Scheme.

Photo of Michael RingMichael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 60: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has been refused acceptance onto a rural social scheme, particularly as they are a salmon licence holder. [17597/06]

Photo of Éamon Ó CuívÉamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Following a review of the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) in 2005, I recently announced major changes to its operation, which will come into effect from 22 May 2006. As part of the changes, the categories of people eligible to participate in the Scheme have been extended and now include: children/siblings of qualifying herd owners; recipients of One-Parent and Widow(ers) payments with a herd number; and adult dependants of non-contributory old age pensioners, who themselves are under 66, and have a herd number.

I understand that the person referred to by the Deputy is in receipt of a Survivor's (Widower's) Contributory Pension. Persons in receipt of this type of payment will become eligible for the RSS under the recent changes announced provided they meet the other eligibility criteria.

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