Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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40. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the rural social scheme will be amended to enable participants who wish to remain on the scheme until pension age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48452/21]

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 and fishermen or women who are in receipt of specified social welfare payments, and who are underemployed in their primary occupation. The scheme offers participants the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in their communities.

Following a Government decision in 2017, the number of places on RSS was increased by 750 during 2017 and 2018 and a six-year time limit was introduced for new entrants, with effect from 1st February 2017. Prior to the introduction of the six-year limit, a RSS participant could remain on the scheme for a significant part of their working life. This had the effect of limiting places available on RSS and reducing the opportunities available to new applicants.

RSS participants who commenced on the scheme prior to 1st February 2017 can remain on the scheme until they reach state pension age once they continue to be eligible for a qualifying social welfare payment. RSS participants who commenced on the scheme after 1st February 2017 will not be able to remain on the scheme until they reach state pension age, unless they reach the state pension age during their 6 years participating on RSS.

The first group of RSS participants due to leave on the basis of the 6-year rule will not arise until February, 2023.

The Department continues to monitor all of the employment support programmes and while there are no plans to amend the related rules at present, the Department does intend to undertake a review of RSS in 2022, to ensure the ongoing best outcomes for both participants and their local communities.

I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.