asked the Minister for Social Welfare the total number of people contributing to national health on a voluntary basis; and if he will indicate the benefits to which such people are entitled.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Voluntary National Health Contributions.
31.
The number of persons who contribute on a voluntary basis under the Social Welfare Acts is 5,897. Of these 2,327 pay contributions at a weekly rate of 6/- and 3,570 pay contributions at a weekly rate of 3/1d.
Voluntary contributions at the 6/-rate are reckonable for the purposes of old age contributory pension and widow's contributory pension. Voluntary contributions at the 3/1d. rate are reckonable for the purpose of widow's contributory pension only.