Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

86. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if his attention has been drawn to the fact that rural social scheme supervisors are on notably different pay scales to community employment supervisors; the reason for such a discrepancy in view of the fact they carry out similar duties and responsibilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2727/17]

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

The Rural Social Scheme (RSS) was introduced in 2004. It is managed by 35 Local Development Companies (LDCs) and by Údarás Na Gaeltachta. As the Deputy will be aware, many rural areas benefit from the services provided by the RSS and the positive impact the scheme has on the livelihoods of farming families and rural communities.

I recently announced an additional 500 places on the RSS which is the first increase in participant numbers since 2006. This brings the number of participant places to 3,100.

The setting of terms and conditions of supervisors employed to support RSS participants are matters for each LDC. Each supervisor will have a contract of employment with the partnership company, in line with statutory requirements. Any issues regarding the pay rate of RSS supervisors are a matter for discussion with the LDCs.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.