asked the Minister for Social Welfare the percentage paid by (a) employer and (b) employee for social welfare stamps; and if there is any information available as to the relative percentages in EEC countries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Social Welfare Stamps.
16.
The ordinary social insurance contribution in this country is a composite contribution covering all benefits. The employer's and employee's shares of the main categories of contribution are approximately 55 per cent and 45 per cent.
Under the general social insurance systems in the EEC countries separate contributions are collected at different rates in respect of individual benefits or grouped benefits. A calculation based on information published by the European Communities gives the following rough apportionment of social security contributions as between employer and employee:
|
Employer |
Employee |
|
|
Belgium |
69 per cent |
31 per cent |
|
France |
76 per cent |
24 per cent |
|
Germany |
61 per cent |
39 per cent |
|
Italy |
80 per cent |
20 per cent |
|
Luxembourg |
64 per cent |
36 per cent |
|
Netherlands |
54 per cent |
46 per cent |
Detailed information concerning the financing of social security in the EEC countries is contained in "Comparative Tables of the Social Security Systems in the member States of the European Communities". A copy of the French version of this publication is available in the Oireachtas Library, and I am arranging to have a copy of the English version, which has now become available, placed in the Library.
In view of the importance of this matter, would the Minister not consider giving a copy to each Deputy instead of placing one copy in the Library?
That might be possible.