Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 March 2014
228. Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are plans to address the issue which has arisen from budget 2014, where persons who take up a Tús scheme, due to the €20 extra to help with costs, now find themselves in a higher PRSI contribution bracket, and are financially worse off for taking up the scheme. [11540/14]
View answerThe Budget changes which apply to PRSI have impacted on all employees who are paying an A class PRSI contribution and earning more than €352, including those on Tús. The majority of Tús participants earn €352 or less and there will be no change as the 0% rate of Employees PRSI that applies. As the Deputy will be aware, taxation procedures are primarily a matter for the Revenue Commissioners. However my Department continues to encourage Implementing Bodies to highlight the benefits of Tús and to explore all avenues in an effort to allow the participants effected to remain on the scheme. The work experience gained on Tús will greatly enhance the opportunity for participants to gain employment and exit the Live Register.
