Rose Conway-Walsh (Mayo, Sinn Fein)
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121. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection when changes to the rural social scheme will be enacted to enable participants of the scheme to sign contracts for three years instead of one year; and if he will provide an update on the implementation of the report on the review of the rural social scheme. [8604/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Rural Social Scheme (RSS) is an income support scheme that provides part-time employment opportunities for farmers and fishers in receipt of specified social welfare payments, and who are underemployed in their primary occupation. RSS is specifically designed and delivered to 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.

The RSS review was undertaken examine the role of the scheme, its ongoing relevance to the changing landscape, the funding and resourcing required along with the appropriate governance/management arrangements. The final report includes 19 recommendations to address the sustainability of the RSS.

I am happy to confirm that my Department notified Implementing Bodies (IBs) on 20 February 2025 that 3-year contracts are to be extended to existing RSS participants from 01 April 2025. The Department also notified IBs that it is proceeding to implement a further 3 recommendations detailed in the review. These will result in means reviews being undertaken at 3 yearly intervals instead of the current annual review; participants who reach age 60 will not be subject to any further review of means or circumstances until they exit the scheme at age 66; and exploring options with people who are exiting the RSS to encourage them to participate as a volunteer within the company, in particular those who have reached 66 years.

Officials in my Department are considering the remaining recommendations and are engaging with relevant Departments and agencies as part of this process.

I wish to acknowledges the valuable and dedicated service that RSS participants and supervisors provide in delivering local based community services and to confirm that my Department is fully committed to the future of the scheme.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.