The distribution of 250 additional places on the RSS is to be known within the next two weeks, according to the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty.
Minister Doherty was speaking in response to a parliamentary question from her party colleague Joe Carey last week.
She said: “In recognition of the crucial work undertaken in rural communities under the scheme, and as part of the social welfare budget package for 2018, I announced an increase in the weekly rate of payment for participants from March together with an additional 250 places to be rolled out this year.
“Taking into account the 500 additional places already allocated as part of the social welfare Budget 2017, this brings the total number of RSS places to 3,350, nearly 30% of an increase in the last two years.”
The distribution of the 250 additional places to be allocated to the implementing bodies (IBs), who deliver the scheme at a local level on behalf of the Department, will be known within the next two weeks
The minister said the places will be allocated taking a number of factors into consideration, including the number of places already allocated, the demand for places in particular areas, work opportunities available within communities and the numbers of farmers and fishermen in receipt of income support.
“While the IBs have responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the scheme, including recruitment, my Department will work closely with them to ensure that all places are filled along with the additional 250 places to be allocated.
“The scheme has played an important role in sustaining rural communities.
“Participants have the opportunity to improve existing skills, or develop new skills, while performing valuable work in their local communities. In tandem, communities benefit from the skills and talents of local farmers and fishermen and community groups have benefited from the many projects undertaken through the scheme with minimal cost to the Exchequer,” she said.
Read more
Budget 2018: what it means for farmers
Budget 2018: 250 extra places in Rural Social Scheme
The distribution of 250 additional places on the RSS is to be known within the next two weeks, according to the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty.
Minister Doherty was speaking in response to a parliamentary question from her party colleague Joe Carey last week.
She said: “In recognition of the crucial work undertaken in rural communities under the scheme, and as part of the social welfare budget package for 2018, I announced an increase in the weekly rate of payment for participants from March together with an additional 250 places to be rolled out this year.
“Taking into account the 500 additional places already allocated as part of the social welfare Budget 2017, this brings the total number of RSS places to 3,350, nearly 30% of an increase in the last two years.”
The distribution of the 250 additional places to be allocated to the implementing bodies (IBs), who deliver the scheme at a local level on behalf of the Department, will be known within the next two weeks
The minister said the places will be allocated taking a number of factors into consideration, including the number of places already allocated, the demand for places in particular areas, work opportunities available within communities and the numbers of farmers and fishermen in receipt of income support.
“While the IBs have responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the scheme, including recruitment, my Department will work closely with them to ensure that all places are filled along with the additional 250 places to be allocated.
“The scheme has played an important role in sustaining rural communities.
“Participants have the opportunity to improve existing skills, or develop new skills, while performing valuable work in their local communities. In tandem, communities benefit from the skills and talents of local farmers and fishermen and community groups have benefited from the many projects undertaken through the scheme with minimal cost to the Exchequer,” she said.
Read more
Budget 2018: what it means for farmers
Budget 2018: 250 extra places in Rural Social Scheme
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