Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 9 Jul 1992

Vol. 422 No. 5

Written Answers. - Mushroom Industry.

John Connor

Ceist:

174 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Social Welfare if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the recent changes in the regulations governing the payment of PRSI and part-time workers is having a very serious and damaging effect on the mushroom industry, which will lead to unemployment and the close-down of the smaller mushroom producer; if he has any plans to address the special needs of this industry in relation to PRSI; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Social Welfare (Mr. McCreevy)

The Programme for Economic and Social Progress, which was agreed between the Government and representatives of employers and trade unions, contained a commitment to extend social insurance cover to part-time workers. This was implemented in April 1991 by bringing part-time workers earning £25 or more into social insurance.

It would not be possible to exempt particular industries from the system as this would lead to loss of benefits for the workers concerned.

I am aware that the new arrangements imposed additional costs on certain industries which employ a number of part-time workers. I have had a number of meetings with representatives of the mushroom industry, and the particular problems of the industry have been addressed by officials of my Department and of the Revenue Commissioners.

An information leaflet has been prepared, setting out the advantages of PRSI and also giving information on other benefits, so that workers would be aware of the extent to which they can work without affecting these benefits. In addition, the Revenue Commissioners have issued a circular through the Irish Mushroom Growers Association setting out the arrangements which apply in order to ensure consistency in their application throughout the country. I am satisfied that every effort is being made to resolve any transitional problems arising in the implementation of the new arrangements.