GRD Announcement: Scheme Changes
This week saw the announcement of three major changes to the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) nationally. The RSS is an income support initiative that provides part-time employment for farmers and fishers who are underemployed and in receipt of certain social welfare payments.
The campaign for changes to the scheme rules was led by Galway Rural Development (GRD), which has warmly welcomed the announcements and thanked Minister Calleary.
Going forward, the changes include the fact that the RSS will be available to
any person who is 25 years or older in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment, and who has a 'defined' connection to the farming number.
The spouse/civil partner/cohabitant of a Farmer or Fisherperson. Again, the individual must be 25 years or older, engaged in farming, and in receipt of a qualifying payment.
Pictured prior to the announcement of changes to the Rural Social Scheme (RSS) were CEO of GRD Steve Dolan, Cllr Sean Broderick, Minister Dara Calleary, RSS -Tús Manager Liz Macdonald and Supervisor Sean Larkin (both members of the recommendation committee), and RSS-Tús Coordinator Sinead Cox. GRD led a national campaign that has yielded several positive changes to the RSS and they have thanked Minister Calleary for his support.
Rural Dwellers- new pilot
In addition to those changes, under a new pilot scheme 250 places for 'Rural Dwellers' will soon be available nationally. These places are to be allocated to persons aged 50 years or over who are in receipt of a qualifying payment and whose primary residence is in a rural area. This new pilot programme formed part of the recommendations to address the scheme's sustainability, with GRD providing two staff members and Executive Director Anne Kinsella of Teagasc to the committee.The CEO of Galway Rural Development, Steve Dolan, warmly welcomed the announcement saying
"The RSS is a vital source of support for farmers and fishers on small incomes who are doing work which benefits rural communities across the county and country. The announced changes make the scheme more flexible, more inclusive, and better aligned with the realities of rural life. We can be very proud in Galway that we have led out on this".
RSS-Tús Manager Liz Macdonald added
"These changes mark a significant and very welcome step forward for rural communities. By widening eligibility and recognising the vital role of both farmers and rural dwellers, the RSS can continue to support communities and strengthen local services. We are grateful to Minister Calleary for listening to the needs on the ground and to everyone who supported this campaign. This is very meaningful progress for rural Ireland.”
