Mary Coughlan
Question:208 Miss Coughlan asked the Minister for Social Welfare the proposals, if any, he has to deal with the problems being experienced by share-fishermen regarding social insurance contributions. [2993/97]
Written Answers. - Social Insurance.
A review of the position regarding the insurability of the employment of share-fishermen and women for social insurance has been carried out by the Department, taking account of the particular working arrangements of this group. As a result of this and taking account of a ruling of the European Court of Justice, such persons are now normally regarded as insurable at the ordinary class A rate and covered for all benefits unless they are employed as partners or as self-employed owner/skippers of boats. The situation was explained to representatives of the fishing bodies whom I met on 14 January last. Any person who wishes to have a ruling regarding the insurability of their employment as share-fishermen should apply for a ruling from the Scope section of the Department.