I want to raise with the Taoiseach the need to increase the top-up payments for the rural social scheme, RSS, and the Tús community employment scheme. Right now that top-up payment is €27.50 per week. It was increased by €5 a week in this year's budget but there is nothing for next year. Those participating in those schemes work three to five days a week. They have the cost of travel to work, including for petrol, diesel, bus fares or whatever else, and they may have childcare responsibilities. If they even buy a cup of tea or coffee, it means they are out of pocket. These schemes are hugely important for the participants themselves but also for the communities they serve. There needs to be a greater incentive for participants. Even an extra €5 or €10 a week would help. There needs to be a further training element in Tús. I believe it would be of benefit to lift the restrictions on the number of people from one household who can participate in the RSS.

We are coming towards the end of a review of the rural social scheme. There has been very intense engagement on it. I have attended a number of workshops and had a lot of discussions with supervisors, participants and the implementing bodies involved as well. It is an amazing scheme. I have seen what it does. It not only provides services and gives an opportunity for people to engage in their community, but it is a vital tool for mental health. A lot of single men in rural Ireland with small farms rely on it as their main social outlet and they contribute hugely. It is very important that when we review the RSS that we make sure it has a future and that it helps to keep small farmers and small fishers doing what they do.