Written answer
Social Welfare Eligibility
The Minister said revised Rural Social Scheme eligibility, including a 250-place rural pilot and expanded household access, is improving participation and supporting rural communities.
51. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Social Protection whether he is satisfied that the eligibility criteria for the rural social scheme continues to reflect the needs of rural communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [67556/26]
Comment on this
The Rural Social Scheme (RSS) is an income support initiative that provides part-time employment opportunities in community and voluntary organisations for low-income farmers and fishers. In general, to participate in the scheme, a person must be aged 25 years or over and be in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment.
I can confirm that a comprehensive review of the RSS was completed and officially launched on 24 July 2024. The purpose of the review was to strengthen the long-term sustainability of the scheme and to ensure that it continues to meet its core objectives in supporting rural communities.
To date, a number of the review recommendations have been implemented. Since January 2026, the eligibility criteria to access the RSS was widened with the introduction of three further recommendations; the RSS Rural Dweller Pilot which has made 250 ringfenced places available to rural customers 50 years and over who are in receipt of a qualifying payment; eligibility to access the RSS was extended to allow both spouses or partners in a qualifying household to participate in the scheme; and, the defined connection eligibility arrangements were extended further.
Since their introduction, these changes have had a significant positive impact on RSS participation. I am satisfied that the revised eligibility arrangements are supporting greater access to the RSS while ensuring that the scheme continues to deliver valuable services and supports in rural communities.
My Department keeps all employment support schemes under ongoing review to ensure that they continue to meet their objectives and respond effectively to the needs of participants and communities. Overall the RSS provides important support to participants while also delivering a wide range of valuable services at local level.