Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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289. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the details of the eligibility requirements and conditions that apply to participate on the rural social scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6967/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy is aware, the rural social scheme (RSS) provides income support for farmers and fishermen who are underemployed in their primary activity, either farming or fishing, and have earnings that are insufficient to support their family.

In general to be eligible to participate on the RSS, an individual must be in receipt of Farm/Fish Assist or one of the qualifying social welfare payments. The individual must also meet the criteria for either a self-employed farmer or a fisherman who is actively farming or fishing. Eligible farmers must also hold a herd number from the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine.

From 1 February 2017, all participants commencing on the RSS must be over 25 years of age and satisfy the other eligibility criteria. In addition a six year maximum participation limit on the scheme has been introduced for new participants commencing on or after 1st February, 2017. The six years can be continuous, provided the participant remains eligible for the underlying social welfare payment. The Deputy should note that existing RSS participants can remain on the scheme as long as they continue to satisfy the eligibility conditions of the scheme.

Almost 50% of current RSS participants have been on the scheme for over 10 years. As a result, opportunities for new people to go on the scheme are very limited. The six year limit will ensure that there will be a throughput of places available, so more people can participate on the scheme, which I’m sure the Deputy will welcome.

I hope this clarifies the matter.