Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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561. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the reason persons on the rural social scheme are being called repeatedly for assessments particularly in rural County Kerry (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43455/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The rural social scheme (RSS) provides opportunities for farmers and fishermen/women who are currently in receipt of specified social welfare payments to work to provide certain services of benefit to rural communities. The Government is very aware that communities benefit from the skills and talents of local farmers and fishermen and participants have the opportunity to improve existing skills, or develop new skills, while performing this valuable work in their local communities. In recognition of this fact, an additional 250 RSS places were announced last week as part of Budget 2018.

To remain eligible to participate on the RSS, an individual must continue to maintain an underlying entitlement to Farm/Fish Assist. This ensures that only those in need of income support for their farming/fishing enterprise benefit from the scheme. Thus, the rate of payment made to a participant can be reviewed at any stage to ensure that they continue to be eligible and that they receive their correct entitlement. This practice has been in place since the commencement of the scheme and applies to all participants on the scheme regardless of their location.

Table 1gives a breakdown by county of the number of RSS participants at end September 2017 and a breakdown of the RSS reviews for the period Jan-end Sept 2017.

This table clearly indicates that participants on the RSS in all counties have been subjected to review, where appropriate, to ensure continuing entitlement to the scheme in accordance with the rules underpinning it.

Table 1

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.