99. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to provide increased flexibility in the rural social scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21421/25]

Sentiment score: 0.19

The question is to ask the Minister for Social Protection his plans to provide increased flexibility in the rural social scheme and if he will make a statement on the matter. The rural social scheme was introduced in the first instance by former Minister Éamon Ó Cuív in 2004. I pay tribute to him for that. Of course, he was the first ever full Cabinet Minister with a specific brief for rural Ireland. I wish to thank all the participants and their supervisors in County Kerry for the tremendous work they have carried out for a number of years and for making our county an even better place to live. Last year, a report on the review of the RSS was published. This review was to look at the role of the RSS and its ongoing relevance in the changing landscape, the funding and resourcing required, along with the appropriate governance and management arrangements. The key findings from the RSS report include that the RSS provides an important social inclusion and income support function for low-income farmers and fisherpersons.

Sentiment score: 0.23

I thank the Minister. I welcome the proposed increase in age limits. That is welcome. The scheme should now be made more flexible to include all people living in rural Ireland on low incomes. The RSS delivers to rural communities key community services including the maintenance of sporting facilities, community recreation areas and waymarked walking routes. Declining participation since 2019 is causing a concern that rural communities may be left without key community services. The report includes 19 recommendations to address the sustainability of the RSS to continue providing income support. Will the Minister provide an update on the implementation of the recommendations on income support? The review also recommended an extension of the RSS to environmental initiatives and that consideration be given to the feasibility of establishing a grant fund that would be available for work on biodiversity initiatives. Is that happening? I wish to avail of this opportunity to call for better pay and conditions for he supervisors who run these important schemes and without whom the RSS would not be the great success story that it is today.

Sentiment score: 0.33