Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 31: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the number of persons participating in the rural social scheme; the number of community organisations benefiting from this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47030/09]

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 41: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the issues concerning the rural social scheme; and if it will result in employment or funding issues. [47031/09]

Christy O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 238: To ask the Minister for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs the plans he has to continue to provide additional work and income for low income farmers and fisherpersons under the rural social scheme in 2010; the level of participation on the scheme he plans to achieve in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47477/09]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 31, 41 and 238 together.

I can confirm for the Deputies that the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) will continue in 2010 at its current level, following the provision made available for the Scheme in my Department's Estimates for next year. There are currently 2,600 participant places available under the RSS and 130 supervisor places (full time equivalents). With the reductions in certain rates of social welfare payments and the CE Scheme, there will be similar adjustments in RSS participant payment rates. However, the Scheme will continue to provide a very good source of additional income for part-time farmers and fisherpersons and a highly valuable resource for community activity in our rural areas. Since the introduction of the RSS, it has become a key part of community activity in many rural areas and is very popular with both participants and local community organisations. The Scheme provides resources to maintain and improve local amenities and facilities in our rural areas with a total of 1,828 community organisations benefiting from it so far this year.