Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection under the present rules of the rural social scheme, the amount of payment that a single farmer would get on the rural social scheme if they were to go on the scheme; if they were at present receiving a personal payment of €100 per week, farm assist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10768/13]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Minister for Social Protection if payment on the rural social scheme for new entrants is based on the current rate of farm assist they receive or other social welfare payment plus €20 and not the personal rate of €208 for all participants as heretofore; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10769/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 141 and 142 together.

With effect from 17th September 2012 rates of payment on the rural social scheme (RSS) were amended to bring them in line with those on the community employment programme and Tús, the community work placement initiative. All new entrants to the RSS from this date onwards are paid the equivalent of their existing rate of social welfare payment plus a top-up of €20, with a minimum payment of €208 being awarded for those joining the scheme with an existing social welfare payment rate of €188 or less per week. The rates of payment to those already on the RSS prior to the 17th September 2012 are not affected by this change.