Keira Keogh (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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1323. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the status of the implementation of the recommendations of the review of the rural social scheme, specifically in relation to the recommendation of a pilot scheme for rural dwellers and the recommendation of increasing the participants per herd number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44504/25]

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 low-income farmers and fishers in receipt of specified social welfare payments, and who are underemployed in their primary occupation.

As the Deputy is aware, the RSS review was published on 24 July 2024 to 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.

The following recommendations have recently been implemented:

• the provision of 3-year contracts to existing RSS participants from 01 April 2025.
• the RSS renewal process will be undertaken at 3 yearly intervals, instead of the current annual renewal. (It should be noted that participants joining the scheme will initially get a contract up to the end of March and 3 yearly thereafter, if eligible).
• existing RSS participants who reach age 60 will not be subject to any further review of means or circumstances. However, it is important to note that the onus continues to remain on all RSS participants to notify the Department of any change in their household circumstances that could affect their rate of payment on the scheme.
• Implementing Bodies have been asked to explore options with people who are exiting the RSS, to encourage them to participate as a volunteer within the company, particularly those who have reached the age of 66 years.