Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 June 2014
81. Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Social Protection the reason a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan is in receipt of less money on the JobPlus scheme than on jobseeker's allowance; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26406/14]
View answerThe person concerned is currently a participant on a Community Employment (CE) Scheme and is in receipt of €511.60 per week and the weekly PRSI deduction from this is €20.46. CE participants are the employees of schemes and are obliged to pay PRSI at the appropriate class (A8/A9). For the majority of CE participants who are earning €352.00 or less, there is no change as the 0% Class A8 rate of Employees PRSI applies. However, CE participants who earn in excess of €352 per week are subject to the Class A9 rate of Employees PRSI and will pay 4% on the total income. PRSI bands are applied on this basis to all persons in employment, including those on CE schemes and the payment carries the same benefits and entitlements under PRSI for all. The potential advantage to the CE participant, outside of the financial impact as outlined above in taking up a CE place, is access to funding for education and training and the opportunity to pursue a FETAC Major Award. This combined with the work experience will greatly enhance the opportunity to gain employment and exit the Live Register.
