Mary Coughlan
Question:199 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Social Welfare the legislative proposals, if any, he has to address the ongoing concerns of share fishermen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9468/96]
Written Answers. - Proposed Legislation.
I informed the Deputy in reply to her Dáil question on 12 December last that a review of the social insurance provisions applying to the employment of share fishermen was being carried out in my Department.
The review was undertaken in response to representations concerning the special scheme for optional contributions for share fishermen employed under a contract for service whose employment was ruled to be ultra vires the social welfare legislation regarding ordinary insurance under a High Court judgment in February 1992.
As a result of the ruling, employment as a share fisherman is only insurable as a self-employed person. The optional scheme was introduced in the Social Welfare (No. 2) Act, 1993, and provides cover for certain short-term benefits.
In connection with the ongoing review I have invited representatives of the fishing bodies concerned to meet me for discussions on 7 June next.
Any proposals brought forward in this area will have to take account of legal, cost and policy considerations.