The Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Regional, Rural, Gaeltacht & Island Affairs said he would continue to press this issue with Minister Regina Doherty to make sure it is rolled out in the next few months
Deputy Ó Cuív said: “Earlier this year, the Rural Social Scheme was expanded, with the total number of participants increasing to 3,350.
“At the time of the announcement there were 2,948 participants on the scheme and I am growing increasingly concerned about the low level of take up since then.
“Despite the fact that there are nearly 7,000 people receiving Farm Assist, the number of people on the Rural Social Scheme has only increased by 22 participants to 2,970 since March. This means that there are still 380 places available on the Rural Social Scheme.”
Deputy Ó Cuív said that his office has been contacted by numerous people seeking to secure a place on the Rural Social Scheme.
“It is imperative that the recruitment process is accelerated so that these additional places are filled and people can begin undertaking this important work.
“I will be continuing to press this issue with Minister Doherty to ensure that the scheme is efficiently rolled out over the coming months,” he added.
