Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 379: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she intends to continue the rural social scheme in view of the benefits it has to rural communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3904/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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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 2012 amount to €45.66m. 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 alter the number of places available on this scheme.