Keira Keogh (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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1375. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection in relation to the review of the rural social scheme which was launched on 24 July 2024, what the updated position is with regard to the six specific recommendations, out of the overall nineteen that the Department had stated they would endeavour to expedite; when the Department hopes to implement same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18539/25]

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

I am happy to report that a number of the recommendations have already been implemented. The Department notified Implementing Bodies (IBs) on 20 February 2025 of the following changes arising from the recommendations; the provision of 3-year contracts to existing RSS participants from 01 April 2025; the renewal process will be undertaken at 3 yearly intervals for those under 60 years of age instead of the current annual review; existing RSS 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. It is important to note that the onus continues to remain on all RSS participants to notify the Department of a change in their household circumstances that could affect their rate of payment on the scheme.

The IBs have also been asked to explore 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 continuing to explore the feasibility of the remaining report recommendations, and they are currently engaging with other relevant Departments and agencies as part of this process.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the deputy.

Martin Daly (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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1376. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if epilepsy is recognised as a qualifying condition for the domiciliary care allowance; and if not, what supports are available to parents of children with epilepsy, given the debilitating nature of the condition when not well controlled. [18540/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a monthly allowance payable to a parent or guardian in respect of a child aged under 16 who has a severe disability requiring continual or continuous care and attention substantially in excess of the care and attention normally required by a child of the same age and where the level of that disability is such that the child is likely to require this level of care and attention for at least 12 consecutive months. This level of care and attention must be required to allow the child deal with the activities of daily living.

Eligibility for DCA is not based entirely on the type of disability or diagnosis but primarily on the impact of the disability / diagnosis in terms of the associated level of care and attention required by the relevant child compared to a child of the same age. The decision process to determine whether a child meets the conditions for DCA includes the examination of all relevant factors identified as impacting on the child's additional care needs.

Applications for DCA are decided by a Deciding Officer on a case by case basis in respect of the relevant child, based on the information provided in the application process, including any supporting evidence if provided by the applicant. The Deciding Officer has regard to the professional opinion of a departmental Medical Assessor in all cases.

In addition to the personal details relating to the child's care needs as provided by the applicant and the child's GP / Specialist in the DCA application form, the applicant may provide any additional information or documentary evidence that is relevant to their application, such as a diagnostic assessment report(s), medical professional report(s) or otherwise, if available. There is no specific requirement to provide this information or the child's epilepsy diagnosis when an applicant is applying for DCA. However, such information, if available, may assist my Department's deciding officers and medical assessors to make an appropriate decision on entitlement and at the earliest date possible.

A parent / guardian should apply for DCA once they consider that their child may meet the qualifying criteria for the allowance. It is open to an applicant to subsequently request a review(s) of any decision and this right of review is not time-limited. If requesting a review of a Deciding Officer's decision, an applicant may forward any further new or additional information or documentary evidence for further consideration, such as a diagnostic assessment report(s) or otherwise, that was not previously available with the initial DCA application.

In cases where an application is successful, DCA is awarded with effect from the month following receipt of the application.

I hope this clarifies the position for the Deputy.

Martin Daly (Roscommon-Galway, Fianna Fail)
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1377. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if there are any plans to expand the range of dental services available under the PRSI-based treatment benefit scheme; and if so, to outline the details and expected timeline for implementation. [18544/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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In general, medical or health related benefits fall within the remit of the Department of Health and the HSE. However, my Department administers the treatment benefit scheme which provides certain dental, optical, and medical appliances benefits to insured workers, the self-employed and retired people who have the required number of PRSI contributions. These treatments are also available to their dependent spouse or partner, if applicable.

There are currently no plans to expand the range of dental services available under the scheme. My Department keeps schemes under regular review to make sure they meet their objectives. Any changes to the expansion of the treatments available under the scheme would have to be considered in a policy and budgetary context, taking account of the economic circumstances and with a view to the sustainability of the Social Insurance Fund.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1378. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection for an update on the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18583/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Social Welfare Appeals Office is an Office of the Department of Social Protection which is responsible for determining appeals against decisions in relation to social welfare entitlements. Appeals Officers are independent in their decision making functions.

I am advised by the Social Welfare Appeals Office that an Appeals Officer, having fully considered all of the available evidence, has decided to allow the appeal of the person concerned by way of a summary decision. The person concerned has been notified of the Appeals Officer’s decision.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.