Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 3

Written Answers. - PRSI Contributions.

Ivan Yates

Question:

286 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) in County Wexford who participated in a community employment scheme cannot have his PRSI contributions categorised as class J contributions in view of the fact that this was originally promised when he enrolled on the scheme, resulting in a current entitlement to unemployment assistance, child dependant allowance and free fuel payments; and the reason he was put on class A instead of class J PRSI contributions. [18160/97]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

The introduction of Class A PRSI for community employment workers commencing such employment on or after 6 April 1996, was provided for in the Social Welfare Act, 1996. Provision was also made for existing community employment workers, i.e., those who had commenced their scheme prior to 6 April 1996, to be given the option of paying Class A PRSI, if they wished, or of continuing with their existing Class J PRSI.

In the case of the person concerned, he finished working on a community employment scheme on 5 April 1996 and claimed unemployment assistance from 8 April 1996 until 4 May 1996. On 6 May 1996 he commenced working again on a community employment scheme. He was not, therefore, in a position to avail of the option to continue paying Class J PRSI contributions. The appropriate PRSI contribution rate for persons who commenced working on a CE scheme in May 1996 is Class A.