andMr. Barrett asked the Minister for Health the amount which accrues to his Department from CIE by way of the employer content of health contributions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - CIE Health Contributions.
16.
The information requested by the Deputies is not available in my Department. Having regard to the fact that there is no employer content in health contributions save to the limited extent of medical card holders, it is estimated that the amount payable by CIE in respect of such contributions would not be significant.
Is the Minister aware that there is a considerable amount of confusion in the public mind about who should and who should not pay these health contributions? Is he also aware that, while they are primarily a Department of Health matter, they are collected by the Revenue Commissioners.
And the Department of Social Welfare.
The annual payment of the health contribution is collected by the Revenue Commissioners. This situation gives rise to considerable difficulty for many people who are not too clear, if they have a doubt or a question, to whom they should apply? Would the Minister avail of this opportunity to give some explanation in that regard.
The Revenue Commissioners collect in respect of those who are self-employed. The health contribution is automatically taken up by the employer and included in the social welfare stamp. All we are concerned about here are those who are in possession of medical cards. If they make known to their employers that they have a medical card, from 1st April he is bound to pay the 39p.
I am concerned about the other categories of people who pay their health contributions on an annual basis and not by means of a stamp. In the case of such a person who has a doubt as to his liability to make the health contribution, to whom should he apply to have that matter cleared up? At the moment, it seems the Revenue Commissioners refer him to the Department of Health and the Department of Health say it is the Revenue Commissioners' job to collect this money.
I did not know there was that difficulty. I will look into this, have it cleared up and let the Deputy know the result.