asked the Minister for Health the proportion of the present social security contributions allocated to the health services.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Security Contributions.
22.
The health contribution for insured workers is 15p per week. The proportion of the full workers' contributions in the social insurance stamp which this represents is as follows:—
Ordinary rate (male), 8.7 per cent; Ordinary rate (female), 9.0 per cent; Voluntary contributor, 11.2 per cent.
No health contribution is payable by persons covered by medical cards, agricultural workers, female domestic workers, deserted wives, unmarried mothers and widows in insurable employment.
The percentage which the Minister gave relates, apparently, only to the 15p specifically added for health some years ago. Before that 15p was added there was a health element in the contribution from the employee. Could the Minister give us the figures taking that element into account as well as the 15p?
I cannot. I was only asked a question with regard to the present social security contributions.
The health element in the present social security contribution consists of the 15p plus what was the health element before the 15p was added. What I want to get is the total of the 15p plus the previous contribution or that as a percentage of the whole contribution.
I can get that information for the Deputy if he wishes to communicate with me.
I would be glad if the Minister would give me that information.
I will communicate with the Deputy.