New scheme to help fishermen and farmers

A COMMUNITY-BASED work scheme for farmers and fisherman and their spouses who struggle to make a living was launched yesterday.

Under the Rural Social Scheme, participants will be paid €280 for a 19 hour week and up to €16.80 for each child. Single farmers and fishermen will be paid €159.

Funding for the scheme will come from savings in Social Welfare payments and transfers from the Dormant Accounts Fund.