Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar has announced details of where the 500 extra places on the Rural Social Scheme for farmers and fishermen will be allocated.

The increase brings the total number from 2,600 to 3,100. It’s the first increase since 2006 when the numbers increased by 100 from 2,500 to 2,600.

Speaking about the extra places Minister Varadkar said "I am a big fan of the Rural Social Scheme. It provides an opportunity to farmers and fishermen to make off-farm income in areas where there are few opportunities to do so, brings money into rural and coastal communities and gets valuable work done on the ground.

"I am very pleased to be in a position to allocate 500 additional places around the country and if successful, I will seek extra places for 2018. This move forms an important part of the Government's commitment to rural Ireland and ensures that all parts of the country and people from all walks of life benefit from the economic recovery."

He finished by saying "The Scheme is popular with participants and in the communities, which benefit from their talents. It also gives participants an opportunity to improve their existing skills, or develop new skills, while performing valuable work in their local communities.

"Significantly, it also supports participants to stay involved in farming or fishing in their local area. I’m delighted that we can expand the scheme for the first time since 2006 thanks to Budget 2017. It shows the Government’s ongoing commitment to rural Ireland."

The work carried out under the Scheme helps to support countless sports clubs, community services and rural facilities. But it’s also an important source of extra income to farmers and fishermen who may be working in agriculture or fishing on a part-time basis and find it difficult to maintain a decent income. 

These extra places will strengthen the Rural Social Scheme by supporting more farming and fishing families on low incomes. The Scheme is delivered through 35 Implementing Bodies or Local Development Companies, and Údarás na Gaeltachta.