Minister Calleary Announces Improvements to the Rural Social Scheme
Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary TD has announced a series of changes to the Rural Social Scheme (RSS), arising from Budget 2026, aimed at strengthening the long-term sustainability of the scheme and supporting rural communities that rely on its services. The measures came into effect in January 2026 and apply nationwide.
The most significant change is the introduction of a Rural Dweller Pilot from January 2026. This pilot provides 250 ringfenced RSS placements for rural dwellers aged 50 and over who are in receipt of a qualifying weekly social welfare payment. The pilot responds directly to recommendations made in the Review of the Rural Social Scheme, published in July 2024, which examined challenges around declining participation and the future viability of the scheme.
Two additional recommendations from the 2024 review have also been implemented from 1 January 2026. RSS eligibility has been extended to individuals who have a defined connection to a farming or fishing enterprise, even where they may not be the primary holder of the herd number or fishing licence. In addition, couples who are jointly engaged in farming or fishing are now both eligible to participate in RSS using a single herd number or fishing licence, addressing a long-standing structural barrier to participation.
The Rural Social Scheme provides part-time employment of 19.5 hours per week for underemployed farmers and fishers who are in receipt of specified long-term social welfare payments. Participants deliver a wide range of locally based services, including meals on wheels, maintenance of community facilities and amenities, environmental works, and support for voluntary and not-for-profit organisations. The scheme currently supports almost 2,700 participants, with expenditure of approximately €52.6 million in 2025.
According to the Department of Social Protection, the new measures are intended to address recruitment difficulties that have emerged in recent years, which in some areas have affected the delivery of essential community services. The Rural Dweller Pilot and expanded eligibility criteria are expected to broaden the potential participant base while maintaining the scheme’s core focus on rural service provision and social inclusion.
The RSS was established in 2004 and now provides 3,350 participant places and 139 supervisor places. It is delivered through 37 Local Development Companies and Údarás na Gaeltachta, which act as Implementing Bodies. The 250 ringfenced rural dweller placements will be distributed across all Implementing Bodies, ensuring availability across rural areas nationally. Participation remains voluntary and subject to the availability of local vacancies.
Further details on the Rural Social Scheme and the changes introduced under Budget 2026 are available on Gov.ie.
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