Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Apr 1996

Vol. 463 No. 6

Written Answers. - Social Insurance Rates.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

243 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Social Welfare the plans, if any, he has to afford full class A PRSI contributions to those, mainly women, taking part in FÁS return to work schemes in order that on completion of their courses, which are available in most, if not, all FÁS training centres, they will have acquired the right, under the rules applied by his Department, to return to signing for credits. [7248/96]

Minister for Social Welfare (Proinsias De Rossa)

Participants in FÁS return to work schemes are insurable at class J PRSI which gives cover for occupational injuries benefit only. Participants themselves pay no PRSI contribution and FÁS pays the class J contribution which is 0.5 per cent of the weekly allowance payable. I have no plans at present to change the PRSI status of that category to class A which gives cover for all social insurance benefits and pensions.