asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether his Department will accept fishermen as nonagricultural workers for the purpose of insurance contributions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Insurance of Fishermen.
Fishermen employed under a contract of service are treated as nonagricultural workers for the purpose of insurance contributions. Fishermen not employed under a contract of service and remunerated by a share in the profits or the gross earnings of the working of the vessel are insurable at a special rate. The position regarding the latter class is under consideration.
I take it the Minister is aware that at the moment the insurance contribution, which amounts to something around 2/- per week, apparently does not entitle the persons paying it to unemployment benefit—that is the position?
That is right.
Does the Minister contemplate remedying that situation so as to give to fishermen an opportunity of paying, if necessary, the increased rate and ensuring that by so doing they would get insurance benefit when not fishing?
That is an aspect of the whole position that is being examined at the present time and I hope to arrive at a decision very shortly. There is a wide divergence of opinion as regards the best thing to be done in connection with share fishermen and I am concerned about making a right decision for the fishermen rather than in making a speedy decision which may not be acceptable to the fishing industry generally.
The Minister hopes to have something fairly soon?
Yes.