Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 247: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of places available on the rural social scheme at present. [35818/11]

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 248: To ask the Minister for Social Protection her plans to increase the number of places available in the rural social scheme. [35819/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 247 and 248 together.

The purpose of the rural social scheme (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 participants and 130 supervisory staff. The funds allocated for 2011 amount to just over €46m. These funds meet the pay costs of participants and supervisors, provision of materials, insurance, health and safety, training and related operational costs. I have no plans to increase the number of places available on this scheme. The funding position for the RSS in 2012 will be determined in the context of the forthcoming Budget.