Under the programme for Government additional places were put in place for the rural social scheme. There were a whole lot of them, which was very welcome for many people in rural Ireland. However, there seems to be something hidden within that because many people in the area are now being told the rural social scheme is no longer an income support scheme, which it had always been, but a job activation scheme. This change was relayed to representatives of the supervisors of the rural social scheme in a meeting on 27 March. They said the information had come from the Minister. Will the Minister clarify whether it is now a job activation scheme rather than an income support scheme for farmers and fishers in rural areas?

An additional 500 places were allocated to the rural social scheme for this year. Dozens of new participants are already taking part in the schemes, which is very encouraging. It is both. It is an income support scheme for farmers on marginal land whose incomes are not adequate to pay the bills. It essentially gives them some off-farm income. It is not designed to take them off the farm. It is acknowledged there are people who take part in rural social schemes who pick up skills which then allow them to get off-farm income that they have not had before. I hope that answers the Deputy's question.