Call for increased payments for RSS and TÚS workers by Mayo councillor

WAGES paid to RSS and TÚS participants should be increased.

The call has come from Councillor Patsy O'Brien who said there are diminishing numbers in a lot of schemes around the country.

Under the payment, people are expected to go out 'for a few pounds', and it was discrimination in one way, he commented at a Claremorris-Swinford Municipal District meeting. They do so much work.

And they should be writing to the department about relaxing the introduction to RSS and TÚS schemes as they are too cumbersome, resulting in a shortfall in workers, he added.

Workers pay should be increased as with spiralling costs, it was very unfair on people.

“We need to step up to the mark and support those people,” said Councillor O'Brien.

He was supported by Councillor Damien Ryan who said the schemes bring great work ethic and skills and there needs to be a significant increment.

Councillor O'Brien also said Mayo County Council should be looking for seasonal workers on six-month terms.

A considerable amount of time has been taken up dealing with the aftermath of Storm Éowyn, which puts pressure on other works, he said.

On this, he was told with the favourable weather there is the ability to catch up if it holds.