Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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1211. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of the €1.2 million allocated to the rural social scheme as outlined in budget 2018; the amount of the €1.2 million allocation that has been spent; the number of new places on that have been opened up; the way in which the funds have been spent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24319/18]

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 (RSS). 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 announced an increase in the weekly rate of payment for participants from March together with an additional 250 places. Taking into account the 500 additional places already allocated as part of the social welfare Budget 2017, this brings the total number of RSS places to 3,350, nearly 30% of an increase in the last two years.

In March 2018, the 250 additional places were allocated to the Implementing Bodies (IBs), who deliver the scheme on behalf of the Department taking a number of factors into consideration including the number of places already allocated, the demand for places in particular areas, work opportunities available within communities and the numbers of farmers and fishermen in receipt of income support. As of 8th June 2018, there were 2,981 places filled and my Department continue to work closely with the IBs to ensure all places are filled.

The 2018 budget provision for RSS is €51.04m which is an increase of €6.6m on the 2017 outturn on the scheme. Up to the end of May 2018, the total expenditure on the scheme has been €21.9m. Recent budgets have been forward looking, allocating limited resources in a prudent way, to make sure that everyone benefits from the recovery.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.