John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 322: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the schemes now available to part-time farmers who want to up-skill or simply boost their income by off-farm welfare schemes or employment; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15419/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Department of Social Protection funds the rural social scheme (RSS) and the community employment programme (CE). The purpose of the RSS is to provide income support for farmers and fisherpersons who have an entitlement to specified social welfare payments. Persons are engaged for 191⁄2 hours per week to provide certain services of benefit to rural communities. The scheme currently provides work opportunities for around 2,600 men and women and 130 supervisory staff. The scheme is delivered by local development companies in rural areas who will be able to advise on available and future opportunities. Part-time farmers may also be eligible to participate on CE if they meet the relevant criteria. FÁS is best placed to advise on individual circumstances and local opportunities that arise on CE schemes.