Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 7 Oct 1997

Vol. 481 No. 1

Written Answers. - Fishermens' Pensions Scheme.

Dick Roche

Question:

78 Mr. Roche asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources whether he will introduce a pension scheme for fishermen, similar to the scheme which was introduced in France, as part of a series of measures to restructure the sea-fishing industry and permit fishermen to retire in their mid-fifties. [15658/97]

I am advised that the particular French pension scheme referred to by the Deputy which covers the maritime sector as a whole is predicated on social insurance contributions of a minimum of 15 years.

Following consultations with the fishing industry and this Department, the application of the social insurance system was adjusted earlier this year to enable fishermen employed in share-fishing to pay social insurance at the Class A rate. This rate in addition to providing cover for long-term benefits such as old age contributory pension, widow's or widower's contributory pension and orphan's contributory allowance also provides short-term cover such as disability benefit, occupational injuries benefits and unemployment benefit.
The introduction of an early retirement scheme specific to fishermen is not envisaged at this point.
Top
Share