Vol. 404 No. 5
25 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will outline his plans to bring in under the social welfare code all employees of the public service; when he intends to issue regulations under this heading; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I have had ongoing discussions with the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and with the management of certain commercial State companies on the possible extension of social insurance cover for public sector employees in modified PRSI classes.
These discussions have covered all the possible consequences of a change in PRSI for the groups concerned, including adjustment of occupational sick pay and pension entitlements, effects on take home pay and payroll costs and the impact of increased employer PRSI contributions on the financial position of the affected State companies. It has not been possible so far for the Government to achieve their stated objective in this matter, ie, to extend full PRSI cover in the public sector on a basis which is acceptable to all parties involved in the discussions. In these circumstances, I have no immediate plans for changes in the PRSI system in so far as it affects public sector employees.
