asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will introduce legislation to remove the income ceiling for compulsory State insurance and introduce a system to which everybody will contribute and from which everybody will benefit.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Insurance.
65.
The income limit for compulsory social insurance which applies only in the case of non-manual employments was increased from £1,200 to £1,600 as from 3rd May, 1971. As I stated at that time, I hope ultimately to abolish this limit altogether but there are many problems involved. The examination of these problems and of the possibility of widening the scope of the social insurance scheme to cover persons other than employees is under way. At this stage I am unable to say when proposals for legislation in the matter are likely to be made.