Social Insurance Payments

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 February 2013

Thursday, 7 February 2013

Questions (73)

Dara Calleary

Question:

73. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Education and Skills his position in relation to PRSI contribution credits in respect of the holiday pay of part-time temporary teachers; if he will acknowledge that PRSI should be paid on all pay including accrued holiday pay; if he will acknowledge that his Department has not fully implemented such measures and as such teachers earning accrued holiday pay are missing out on PRSI contributions credits that will affect any future social welfare benefit claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6449/13]

Written answers

Minister for Education and Skills

In the case of teachers who obtain part-time hours in a casual /non casual capacity in post primary schools, the rate of pay is based on the annual rates of pay divided by 735 hours (maximum teaching contact hours per annum) to get an hourly rate, as opposed to the annual rate of pay divided by 365 and multiplied by the hours worked plus 8% holiday pay. This ensures that qualified part-time teachers are paid the equivalent of the full time rate of pay over the shorter period of time. The rate was agreed in negotiations with the teacher unions. PRSI contributions are deducted for periods of employment. Part time casual and non-casual teachers are not employed during school holiday periods and therefore PRSI contributions are not paid for these periods.