Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 29 Mar 1994

Vol. 440 No. 7

Written Answers. - Fishermen's RSI Arrears.

Avril Doyle

Ceist:

119 Mrs. Doyle asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he will extend the deadline of 30 June 1994, for share fishermen to pay 1993 and 1994 RSI arrears under the optional scheme to come into effect on 1 January 1995, in view of the weather which has reduced their current disposable income; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Social Welfare (Dr. Woods)

I introduced the optional contribution scheme for people engaged in share fishing to enable them to top up existing self-employed PRSI contributions and provide themselves and their families with vital cover for disability, unemployment and treatment benefits. Benefits are payable from January 1995 for those who have paid their contributions in respect of the 1993-94 tax year. The rate of contribution is 5 per cent of earnings up to £20,000, 1993-94, subject to a minimum of £250.

Strictly speaking, contributions for the 1993-94 tax year would have been payable before 6 April 1994. However, I am conscious of the difficulties facing fishermen and it is for this reason that I have already allowed an extension for payment of the first year's contribution up until the end of June 1994. Arrangements have been made, where people are experiencing difficulties, for the payment of these contributions to be made by instalments. If a person engaged in share fishing is experiencing such difficulties, he should contact the optional contribution section of my Department.