Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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379. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of participants on the rural social scheme at present; his plans to increase participation throughout 2017 and 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16756/17]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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The rural social scheme (RSS) provides employment opportunities for low income farmers and fishermen who are currently in receipt of specified social welfare payments. While communities benefit from the skills and talents of local farmers and fishermen, participants have the opportunity to improve existing skills, or develop new skills.

In January last, in recognition of the significant work undertaken in rural communities under the Scheme, I announced, as part of the social welfare budget package for 2017, an additional 500 places for the scheme. These places became available with effect from 1st February 2017 and bring the total number of participant places available on RSS to 3,100.

As of 24^thMarch 2017, there were 2,632 participants on RSS. The remaining additional places will be rolled out over the coming months.

The question of further additional places will be considered in the context of future Budgets.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.