Vol. 575 No. 1
107 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Finance the exemption levels, the thresholds, the ceilings and the rates of social insurance, health and other levies which underpin the 2004 Estimates; the changes that have been made in these levels in the Estimates; and the revenue which will be yielded distinguishing, self-employed, public service and private sector contributions by employer and employee. [27965/03]
The estimate for social insurance contribution income as set out in the 2004 abridged Estimates volume is based on existing PRSI rates, thresholds and exemption levels. The only change to the present situation is the normal technical assumption that the employee contribution ceiling will rise from its present level of €40,420 to €42,160, in line with the anticipated growth in non-agricultural earnings in 2004. The Department of Social and Family Affairs advise that the estimated 2004 yield from self-employed, employee and employer contributions will be €270 million, €1,090 million and €3,920 million, respectively. It is not possible to provide a breakdown of social insurance income between public and private sector contributors for 2004. Recruits to the public service since 6 April 1995 are insurable at the same classes of contributions as employees in the private sector.
Other than the extension in relation to BIK as announced in budget 2003, no changes have been assumed in the health levy regime in the context of the 2004 AEV. Currently, the levy is charged at 2% on all income once the person's income exceeds €356 per week or €18,512 per annum. The estimated 2004 receipts of €891 million comprise employee and self employed contributions of €770 million and €121 million, respectively. The health levy involves no employer contribution.
With regard to the national training fund levy, the 2004 estimate of €272.6 million assumes no change for the employer contribution regime. This levy is only paid by employers and is collected with the employer's PRSI contribution. No breakdown in respect of public and private sector employment is available.
