I propose to take Questions Nos. 1, 2, 26, 36 and 76 together.
Workers who are employed for less than 18 hours per week and who are not mainly dependent on their earnings from that employment are regarded as part-time under the social welfare Acts and are insurable at a reduced rate which gives cover for occupational injuries only. Workers who are employed for 18 hours or over are regarded as being in full-time employment and are insurable accordingly under the social welfare Acts.
One of the original objectives of the regulations governing part-time employment was to ensure that persons who are insured and thus eligible for the full range of social insurance benefits pay more than a minimal contribution to the social insurance fund. This was widely accepted at the time as being in the interests of insured workers generally.
I have been concerned about the position of part-time workers under the social insurance system especially in the light of the growing extent of this form of employment in particular sectors. I am aware that there are certain anomalies and inefficiencies in the provisions for these workers in the social insurance system, and I am examining the question of changing the present criteria for insurability so as to provide a greater degree of coverage for workers in this situation. This is, however, a very complex matter and one where there could be considerable financial and other implications for the social insurance system depending on the course of action which is taken. As part of this review the European Court judgment, referred to by Deputies, is being examined.
I have also specifically asked the National Pensions Board to examine the question of pension entitlements of part-time workers. I expect that they will report by the middle of this year.
As Deputies will have been informed by my colleague, the Minister for Labour, during the discussion on the Private Members' Bill on the Protection of Part-Time Workers, a Social Action Programme has now been drawn up by the European Commission. As part of this programme it is expected that the Commission will be in a position to publish a draft directive on a typical work during the summer. The Government will have regard to these proposals to ensure compatibility between the draft directive and our own proposals.
The issue of social welfare coverage for these workers will also be considered in the course of the discussions at the forthcoming informal Council of Social Welfare Ministers to be held in Ireland next month.
