asked the Minister for Social Welfare the annual amount collected and disbursed in each of the last five years in respect of wet-time insurance; and if, having regard to the substantially reduced amount of working time being lost in respect of wet weather by reason of modern techniques and developments, he proposes to reduce wet-time insurance contributions or make any other modifications in the scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wet-Time Insurance.
29.
As regards the statistics requested by the Deputy, I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to have these circulated in the Official Report in the form of a tabular statement.
With reference to the second part of the question, I should say that the suggestion that modern techniques and developments have effected a significant reduction in the amount of working time lost because of inclement weather is not substantiated by the records of my Department.
Following is the statement:
"Wet-Time" Insurance
|
Year ended 31st March |
Amount collected from sale of stamps |
Amount repaid to employers in respect of Supplementary Benefit |
|
£ |
£ |
|
|
1964 |
199,324 |
138,842 |
|
1965 |
237,229 |
123,431 |
|
1966 |
263,830 |
179,064 |
|
1967 |
242,183 |
200,300 |
|
1968 |
231,782 |
153,070 |
Electricians seldom, if ever, have their work stopped because of wet weather and yet they are required to pay wet-time insurance. A number of other trades never have their work stopped because of wet-time although, maybe 20 years ago, it may have happened. It seems unjust that such people should have to pay insurance for an eventuality which will never happen to them.
The old grouping system of buildings may have had a certain amount of effect.