Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will make additional rural social scheme places available under an organisation (details supplied) in County Kerry for recipients of farm assist, in view of the fact that the structures are already in place, the minor cost involved and the numbers of persons awaiting places on the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13009/12]

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 rural social scheme currently provides work opportunities for around 2,600 participants and 130 supervisory staff. I have no plans to increase the number of places available on this scheme. The funds allocated for 2012 amount to €45.66m, which should enable the scheme to continue as in previous years but does not allow for the recruitment of additional participants above the numbers stated above.