Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 437: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if the rural social scheme payment is classed as income; if this payment is taken into account when applications are made for third level grants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30548/06]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The payment that participants on the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) receive is regarded as income. The rate of payment is determined by the participant's personal/family circumstances and is based on their qualifying payment from the Department of Social & Family Affairs at the time of joining the Scheme and an appropriate top-up payment from the RSS. The manner in which this income is treated for third level grant purposes is a matter for the Local Authority or V.E.C. to which the relevant application is made.