asked the Minister for Social Welfare whether he will change the present practice with regard to the payment of social insurance contributions at a reduced rate by fishermen, with a view to allowing fishermen to pay contributions at the full rate and to receive the full range and rate of insurance benefits.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Insurance Contributions by Fishermen.
47.
Social insurance contributions at the reduced rate are payable only in respect of share fishermen, that is to say, those who are wholly remunerated by way of a share of the profits or the gross earnings of the working of the vessel on which they are employed. Contributions at the reduced rate give cover for all benefits, other than unemployment benefit. The question of extending cover for that benefit to share fishermen and the conditions under which it might be extended is at present under consideration.
Will the Minister agree this matter has been under consideration for a long time? When does he hope to be in a position to make known his decision on this important matter?
I have had this under consideration for some months and I hope to announce a decision fairly soon.
When?
Fairly soon.
I would draw the Minister's attention to the hardship these fishermen suffer during periods of unemployment. I am pleased to note that the Minister may do something about it in the near future.