The Rural Social Scheme which has expenditure of €7 million in the Gaeltacht, has been renewed for the forthcoming year. The scheme which is in its 7th year of existence is administered in the Gaeltacht by Údarás na Gaeltachta in conjunction with Comhar Leader na nOileán on the islands.
At present, there are 20 schemes in operation which employ 21 supervisors and 437 participants. The participants work 19.5 hours a week on activities such as maintaining and improving walkways and bog roads; energy conservation work for the elderly; projects to improve and maintain the environment; community facilities, social care; care for the elderly and community assistance for preschool and after-school groups.
Until recently the scheme was funded by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs but is currently being transferred to the Department of Social Protection.