Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 24 Nov 1993

Vol. 436 No. 2

Written Answers. - Maintenance Payments.

Andrew Boylan

Question:

30 Mr. Boylan asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his attention has been drawn to the fact that, under existing legislation, where an individual is making enforceable maintenance payments to an estranged spouse, PRSI contributions, health contributions and employment and training levies are chargeable on the paying spouse's income and again on the maintenance payments on their receipt by the receiving spouse; his views on whether this system is just and fair to the recipient spouse; and if he will take measures to change the present legislation.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

I am aware that, where an individual is making enforceable maintenance payments to an estranged spouse, PRSI contributions are paid by both the person paying maintenance and the person receiving it, subject to the normal thresholds and ceilings. The effect of this is that each spouse builds up a social insurance record in their own right, and can each, in due course, qualify for a pension. I believe that entitlement to a social insurance pension is a valuable right and that coverage under the system should be extended as widely as possible. I am at present considering the possibility of extending pension coverage to other categories of people and in this context I would be reluctant to change the PRSI contribution system in such a way as to reduce the present levels of entitlement and coverage.

All of these issues will be considered next year in the context of a divorce referendum.