Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

122. To ask the Minister for Social Protection his views on the rural social scheme as a method of ensuring low-income farmers have an adequate livelihood while contributing to their communities; if he will expand the scheme; if he will reverse the cuts imposed by the previous Minister, by changing the rules of the scheme to the payment rates particularly for participants with dependants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10963/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The rural social scheme (RSS) provides income support for low income farmers and those engaged in fishing who have an entitlement to specified social welfare payments. One of the key eligibility criteria for participation in the scheme is that the participant must be underemployed in their primary activity i.e. either farming or fishing, and that their earnings are insufficient to support their family circumstances.

The scheme currently provides work opportunities for around 2,600 participants and 130 supervisory staff. Participants are engaged for 19½ hours per week to provide certain services of benefit to rural communities.

RSS payments are based on the rate of the underlying DSP payment plus €22.50 top-up, subject to a minimum weekly payment of €210.50. As the Deputy can appreciate, it is imperative that funding provided is targeted at low income earners. If participants no longer qualify for an eligible DSP payment, they are required to leave the scheme on grounds of non-eligibility after their contract of employment expires.

The number of places on the RSS has been maintained at the same level since 2006. As with all other activation and employment schemes funded by the Department, the operations are monitored on an on-going basis to ensure that the scheme remains effective, provides value for money, is aligned with other similar schemes and is in line with Government policies overall.