asked the Minister for Social Welfare if in view of recent wage increases he will consider raising the maximum qualifying figure in order to bring within the scope of the Social Welfare Acts workers who now find themselves outside them.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
108.
Under the Social Welfare Acts, manual workers are insurable, irrespective of their rate of wages. Persons employed otherwise than by way of manual labour are not insurable if their remuneration exceeds £800 a year. The remuneration limit of £800 a year, which is equivalent to approximately £15 7s. a week, has applied since the 29th December, 1958. Non-manual workers whose remuneration exceeds the limit, and who, therefore, cease to be compulsorily insurable have the option of maintaining their insurance for certain purposes by becoming voluntary contributors.
From my examination of the position I do not consider that amending legislation is required at this stage, but the matter will be kept under review in my Department in the light of future developments.