Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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286. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status of the enhancement of the rural social scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18376/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The purpose of the rural social scheme (RSS) is to provide income support aimed at low-income farmers and fishermen in receipt of certain social welfare payments who are underemployed in their primary occupation. Persons are engaged for 19½ 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 the scheme in 2016 amount to €44.3m. This level of funding does not allow for recruitment above the numbers stated above.

With the ongoing welcome economic recovery, the eligibility criteria for RSS will be kept under review to ensure that it remains fit for purpose and to ensure that the numbers on the scheme continue to be appropriate.