A local TD has warned the Taoiseach that the Rural Social Schemes (RSS) as it presently exists will be lost if the 6-year rule for new participants is not removed immediately.
Galway East TD Seán Canney said that in his constituency alone, 110 participants will be lost if the 6-year rule remains in place.
He said that this would mean many communities, sports facilities, community centres and voluntary organisations would lose participants and these places would regress rapidly.
“The extent of the services delivered through the RSS is enormous and it is important to have continuity for all concerned,” the Independent TD said.
“The Scheme was introduced as an income support for farm families and as such new participants should be left on the scheme until they reach 66 years.”
He added that the Taoiseach has committed to speaking with the Minister for Social Protection with a view to finding a solution to this crisis in the RSS Scheme.
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