asked the Minister for Social Welfare why part-time married workers have to pay full social welfare contributions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Married Workers.
69.
Part-time workers in a large number of categories are specifically excluded by statutory regulations from insurance under the Social Welfare Acts except for occupational injuries benefit in respect of which the employer pays the full contribution. In addition, employment for less than 18 hours weekly is similarly excluded except for occupational injuries benefit purposes where the worker is not mainly dependent on the employment for his livelihood and where the employment is not for the purposes of the employer's trade or business. Workers outside these categories are required to pay the full Social Welfare contribution and, of course, are eligible for all benefits provided under the Acts.