Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

583. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the estimated full year cost if the 2019 budget for the rural social scheme increased by 12%; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [49317/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The 2019 allocation for the rural social scheme is €53.11 million. On this basis, a 12% increase in the budget for the scheme in 2019 would cost €6.37 million in a full year.

The costs shown above are on a full year basis and are based on the estimated number of recipients in 2019. It should be noted that these costs are subject to change in the context of emerging trends. Recent budgets have been forward looking, allocating limited resources in a prudent way, to make sure that everyone benefits from the economic recovery.