Public Sector Staff.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 February 2010

Thursday, 4 February 2010

Questions (120)

Brian Hayes

Question:

120 Deputy Brian Hayes asked the Minister for Finance the number of public servants that were earning more than €40,000 per year and in view of the most recent pay cut find themselves earning less than €40,000 and therefore paying a lower rate of PRSI as a consequence; if this group of public servants find that their take home pay has increased from December 2009 to January 2010; if his attention was drawn to this when Budget 2010 was framed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5935/10]

Written answers

Minister for Finance (Deputy Brian Lenihan)

I am informed by the Revenue Commissioners that the latest relevant historical information available on the incomes of employees taxed under the PAYE system is derived from income tax returns filed for the income tax year 2007. Accordingly earnings data for public sector employees in respect of 2009 and 2010 is not currently available. While public servants on a salary in excess of €40,000 per annum were with effect from 1 January 2010 subject to a pay reduction, there is no reduction in the applicable PRSI rate.