Rural social scheme terms
Deputy Rabbitte welcomed extra rural social scheme places but objected to changes limiting how long participants can stay out of the scheme, saying long-serving participants were being treated unfairly. The Minister said he would check the details, explained the schemes are intended to help people back into work, and agreed to correspond with her.
I refer to the programme for Government and the recent budget announcement regarding rural social schemes. We welcomed the announcement of 500 new places. That was the hand that gave, but the hand that took made sure that there were changes to the terms and conditions. People involved in the schemes could be involved for life, but a person can now only be out for between three and six years. I want to know whether the Government will review this. Teachers and nurses have made claims. We need to treat people equally. The people to whom I refer have been in schemes for 55 or 60 years. Now people will only be allowed out for three years.
Comment on this
I need to check the details of the scheme for the Deputy. My understanding is that the focus of these schemes is to try to help people back into employment. That is why they are of a temporary nature.
Comment on this
I will get the detail for the Deputy and correspond with her.