Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

90. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status of the expansion of the rural social scheme following budget 2017; the way the extra places will be spread throughout the country; when this will take place; the funding that is being put forward for the scheme in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31068/16]

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

As the Deputy will be aware, 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. The Government, as part of the budget package for 2017, announced 500 additional places on the scheme which will increase the overall number to 3,100. My Department intends allocating these places as soon as possible taking into account many factors including existing places, demand for places in particular areas, work opportunities available in local areas and the number of farmers in receipt of income support.

The budget allocated to the RSS in 2016 is €44.3m. The level of funding allocated to the RSS for 2017 is expected to be in the region of €47.5m. In allocating the additional places, the Government recognises the valuable contribution the RSS is making to the provision of services to communities across Ireland.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.