Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 September 2015
23. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she will provide a training and education credit for the pay related social insurance system, similar to the homemaker's credit, to encourage upskilling; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33023/15]
View answerThe primary purpose of PRSI credits is to secure social welfare benefits and pensions of employees by covering gaps in insurance where they are not in a position to pay PRSI. This includes periods of unemployment and illness, as well as periods spent participating in certain education or training courses. The class at which a contributor paid his or her last PRSI contribution determines entitlement to credited contributions. In order to qualify for credits, a person must first have entered insurable employment and must have paid at least one PRSI contribution as an employed contributor. Credits are not available to a person who has only class S contributions.
Student credits are awarded to individuals who re-enter insurable employment having completed a course of full-time education, where the course was commenced before the age of 23 years. Student credits provide access to short-term benefits such as illness benefit, jobseeker’s benefit and maternity benefit.
In addition, participants of the Back-to-Education Allowance, the Vocational Training Opportunities schemes and other approved courses may qualify for credits. Credits are also available to those attending training courses provided or approved by SOLAS, the National Tourism Development Authority, Teagasc or Bord Iascaigh Mhara. Credits are awarded for participants of these schemes and courses subject to the individual qualifying for credits at the commencement of the scheme or course of study.
Individuals undertaking training or education may also become voluntary contributors, subject to satisfying the qualifying criteria. By paying voluntary contributions an individual can protect their existing entitlement to long-term social insurance benefits.
