Vol. 445 No. 9
143 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Social Welfare if discussions between his officials and officials of other Departments examining the case of a person (details supplied) in Galway have resulted in proposals for more equitable arrangements in relation to PRSI deductions from maintenance payments; and the action, if any, he proposes to take on the matter. [1495/94]
145 Ms Keogh asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he has examined the case of a person (details supplied) in Galway who is liable for PRSI on maintenance payments; if he intends to have this injustice redressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1468/94]
It is proposed to take Questions Nos. 143 and 145 together. PRSI contributions in respect of self-employed people are payable on income (subject to certain exceptions and deductions) from all sources as estimated in accordance with the provisions of the Income Tax Acts, provided the total income is in excess of £2,500 a year. PRSI contributions establish a personal entitlement to contributory old age pension and to contributory Survivor's and orphan's pension.
The maintenance payments which the person concerned receives from her husband are, therefore, reckonable for PRSI contributions. To exempt such payments from liability for contributions could involve excluding many persons in this situation from social insurance cover and possible entitlement to social insurance pensions. I am considering whether any changes are warranted in the present arrangements taking account of the need for adequate social insurance cover and for equity as between different family units.
