asked the Minister for Social Welfare the reason a person (details supplied) in County Louth is paying PRSI on the £65 per week which she receives from her husband to maintain her; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that her husband is employed at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth and pays PRSI on his gross earnings; the reason a married unemployed housewife has to pay PRSI on her housekeeping income; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - PRSI Payments.
166.
PRSI contributions in respect of self-employed persons are payable on income (subject to certain exceptions and deductions) from all sources as estimated in accordance with the provisions of the Income Tax Acts provided the income is in excess of £2,500 a year. PRSI contributions establish a personal entitlement to contributory old age, and widows' and orphans' pensions.
The person concerned is in receipt of maintenance payments from her husband. These payments are reckonable for PRSI contributions. To exempt them from liability for contributions would involve excluding many persons in this situation from needed social insurance cover and possible entitlement to social insurance pensions.