asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will clarify the social insurance position of employees in sea fishing (a) on vessels registered in the State, (b) on vessels owned by Irish companies or employers and (c) fishing (i) in territorial waters, (ii) within the 200 mile limit and (iii) outside the 200 mile limit; and if amending legislation is being prepared.
Written Answers. - Sea Fishing Employees' Social Insurance.
349.
An employee engaged on a contract of service in sea fishing as a master or a member of a crew of (1) any ship registered in the State or (2) any other ship or fishing vessel of which the owner, or if there is more than one owner, the managing owner or manager, resides or has his principal place of business in the State is insurably employed for all benefits at the standard rate of contribution in whatever waters the fishing vessel operates.
Employment as a share fisherman, that is, as a member of a crew of a fishing vessel where the employed person is wholly remunerated by a share in the profits or gross earnings of the working of the vessel is compulsorily insurable under the Social Welfare Acts.
Share fishermen employed under a contract of service who are wholly or mainly engaged in, or derive their livelihood wholly or mainly from share fishing, are insurable under the Social Welfare Acts at the standard rate of contribution which includes cover for unemployment benefit. Otherwise a special rate of contribution which does not include entitlement to unemployment benefit is payable in respect of persons engaged in share fishing on a seasonal, casual or part-time basis.
Part-time share fishermen who are not employed under a contract of service are also insured at a special rate which provides cover for all benefits under the Social Welfare Acts with the exception of unemployment benefit, occupational injuries benefits, and pay-related benefit.
In the circumstances I do not propose to amend the legislation relating to the social insurance position of sea fishermen at present.