316. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will extend the age from 66 years for the rural social scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39007/24]

The question arises in the context of new flexible pension arrangements which were introduced on 1st January 2024. The changes include maintaining the State Pension age at 66 and introducing a deferred pension age up to 70 years. Accordingly, a person who now turns 66 can defer access to their pension, thus allowing them to access their pension at any point between age 66 and 70.This new pension arrangements applies only to supervisors on work schemes, including Rural Social Scheme (RSS) supervisors. A supervisor who turns 66 on or after 1st January 2024 may continue to work until the day before their 70th birthday. The Department is currently funding supervisor positions from 66 to 70 years of age, however the decision to retain a supervisor remains with the Implementing Body, as the employer. The new measures are specifically for people in standard employment situations and do not apply to State supported schemes like RSS, where the participant qualifies due to being on a specific social welfare payment in advance of their placement on the scheme. Accordingly, the position regarding funding for RSS participants remains as heretofore. Funding for participants continues to be available to State Pension Age only, which is currently 66.I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.