Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 425: To ask the Minister for Social Protection in view of the large numbers of farmers who were employed in the construction industry on a part-time basis to supplement their incomes in the past and who now have no work in this trade, if he will consider increasing the number of spaces on the rural social scheme as this particular scheme has been proven to be one of the most cost-efficient programmes run by the State; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1390/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The purpose of the rural social scheme 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. 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 funds allocated for 2012 amount to €45.66m and this should enable the scheme to continue as in previous