John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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301. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the status of the expansion of the rural social scheme following budget 2017; the way in which 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. [36187/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The purpose of the rural social scheme (RSS) is to provide income support to farmers and fishermen and women 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. The level of funding allocated to the RSS in the budget day estimates for 2017 is €44.4m.

A request for expressions of interest in additional RSS places was recently sent to all RSS Implementing Bodies. My Department intends allocating these places as early as possible in 2017 taking into account a number of factors. These include the number of places already allocated, the demand for new places in particular areas, work opportunities available in local areas and the numbers of farmers and fishermen and women in receipt of income support.

In allocating the additional places, the Government recognises the benefits the RSS provides for participants and their families, as well as the valuable contribution the scheme is making to the provision of services in communities across Ireland. It is not possible at this stage to give the exact locations as to where these 500 additional places will be allocated.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.