Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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59. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her policy on the rural social scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46339/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Deputies on all sides of the House are fully aware of the positive benefits derived from schemes like the Rural Social Scheme. In recognition of the crucial work undertaken in rural communities under the scheme, and as part of the social welfare budget package for 2018, I was very pleased to announce an additional 250 places in 2018, as well as an increase in the weekly rate of payment for participants from March of next year.

Taking into account the 500 additional places already allocated as part of the social welfare Budget 2017, this brings the total number of Rural Social Scheme places to 3,350, nearly 30% of an increase in the last two years.

In order to qualify to participate on the scheme, all new entrants to the scheme since 1 February 2017 must be over 25 years of age and, in addition, a 6 year overall participation limit applies to participants joining the scheme from this date. Those who joined prior to this date may remain on the scheme if they continue to satisfy the eligibility conditions.

This will ensure that there will be a throughput of places available and also ensures that younger people have a chance to explore other training/education options prior to participation on the scheme.

As the Deputy knows, the scheme has played an important role in sustaining rural communities. Participants have the opportunity to improve existing skills, or develop new skills, while performing valuable work in their local communities. In tandem, communities benefit from the skills and talents of local farmers and fishermen and community groups have benefitted from the many projects undertaken through the scheme with minimal cost to the Exchequer.

Finally, the Deputy should note that while the Implementing Bodies have responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the scheme, including recruitment, my Department is working closely with them to ensure that all the places are filled as quickly as possible, along with the additional 250 places which will be allocated over the coming months.