Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 14 Oct 1992

Vol. 423 No. 5

Written Answers. - Social Insurance Eligibility.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

42 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will clarify the reason for the implementation of the regulations which state that employment as a member of the FCA or Slua Muirí is not insurable for social insurance purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Social Welfare (Mr. McCreevy):

Prior to 6 April 1991, employment as a member of the FCA or An Slua Muirí for any period not exceeding 21 days was regarded as subsidiary employment and not subject to full social insurance cover.

When social insurance was extended to part-time employees in April 1991, the number of employments designated as subsidiary was substantially reduced. This was to ensure that the benefits of full insurance were extended as widely as possible. As a result members of the FCA and An Slua Muirí became insurable under Class H which applies to members of the Defence Forces generally.

Young people who join the FCA or Slua Muirí generally do so at a young age and in most cases long before they take up regular employment. Making them fully insurable for the short periods of employment involved has the effect of diluting their contributions average for pension purposes. Furthermore, those on training activities who are already in employment would continue to be insured for the periods in question through their normal employer, and contributions made on their behalf by the Defence Forces would have no additional value in conferring entitlement. Accordingly, regulations were introduced with effect from April 1992 to remove employment with the FCA and An Slua Muirí from full social insurance cover.