Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 21 Apr 1999

Vol. 503 No. 4

Written Answers. - Social Insurance.

Paul McGrath

Question:

166 Mr. McGrath asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when workers on FÁS schemes commenced paying a full PRSI contribution; the benefits associated with these contributions; if workers registered with NRB and NTDI on training schemes and placements make the same contribution; if not, why not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10551/99]

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

The community employment programme is operated by FÁS and offers a number of options to certain unemployed persons, lone parents and those referred by the National Rehabilitation Board, NRB, to take up employment with a sponsor for one to three years. The Social Welfare Act, 1996, provided for the introduction of Class A PRSI cover to new community employment workers with effect from 6 April 1996. As an exceptional measure, existing community employment workers were given until 30 April 1996, to opt for Class A if they so wished. PRSI Class A provides cover for the full range of social insurance benefits.

In addition to community employment, FÁS operates a wide range of training courses designed to enhance opportunities to enter or return to the workforce. Participants on these training courses are insurable at PRSI Class J and are covered for occupational injuries benefits only. However, participants meet the normal conditions for award of credited contributions are awarded a Class A social insurance credit in respect of the periods spent on these courses.

The NRB is a statutory agency which identifies and advises on the needs of persons with disabilities and the policies and services required to meet these needs. The NRB, amongst other functions, assesses the needs of persons with disabilities, provides an occupational guidance service and directs people to specialised training or employment options. The NRB does not directly provide training programmes or employment. It does, however, provide supports to employers, designed to encourage the employment of persons with disabilities, under the employment support scheme and the pilot programme for the employment of people with disabilities. Employees with disabilities who are recruited by employers in receipt of these supports pay PRSI on the same basis as employees generally and are covered for the full range of social insurance benefits.

The National Training and Development Institute, NTDI, provides assessment, guidance, training and education programmes leading to recognised certification and job placement services. The programmes and services are specifically designed for persons with disabilities. Participants on the training courses provided by the NTDI retain entitlement to social welfare payments and are not remunerated by that organisation. Accordingly, these participants, where already eligible, continue to receive a credited social insurance contribution, for the duration of these courses.

In line with the views of the Commission on the Status of People with Disabilities, the establishment group for the National Disability Authority and Disability Support Service recommended that responsibility for vocational training and sheltered and supported employment should transfer from the Department of Health and Children and the NRB to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and FÁS. The Government has accepted these recommendations and the necessary arrangements required for the transfer of the relevant staff and assets of the NRB to FÁS are currently under way.