Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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298. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the six year limit will be removed from the rural social scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [45833/21]

Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
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The Rural Social Scheme (RSS) is an income support scheme providing part-time employment opportunities for farmers or fishers in receipt of certain social welfare payments, and who are underemployed in their primary occupation, within their local area, in community and voluntary organisations.

RSS is specifically designed and delivered to certain qualified people of working age whose income falls below certain limits. The valuable work undertaken by participants draws on their existing skills which may be further developed and shared throughout their participation.

During 2017 and 2018 the number of places funded on RSS was increased by 750, bringing the total number of places available to 3,350. A six-year time limit was also introduced for new RSS participants with effect from February 2017 that only applies to new entrants onto the scheme after that date. Prior to the introduction of the six year time limit, an RSS participant could remain on the RSS scheme for a significant part of their working life. This had the effect of limiting turnover of places on RSS and thereby reducing the opportunities for new entrants.

The first cohort of participants that will leave RSS on the basis of the 6-year rule will not arise until February, 2023. The Department continually monitors all of its employment support programmes and intends to complete a review of RSS in 2022.