Galway TD calls for increase in Rural Social Scheme places

Galway Bay fm newsroom – A Galway West TD is calling on the Minister for Social Protection to increase the number of places in the Rural Social Scheme for 2015.
The scheme provides income support for underemployed farmers and those engaged in fishing who have an entitlement to specified social welfare payments.
It was initiated in 2004 under the responsibility of the then Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
Fianna Fail Deputy Eamon O Cuiv claims Minister Joan Burton has failed to show an understanding for the circumstances of farmers on the scheme.
Deputy O Cuiv is calling on Minister Burton to reverse changes made to the basic rules of the scheme and to increase the number of places available.