Tony Gregory
Ceist:219 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Social Welfare the social insurance rate payable by persons on community employment schemes; and the benefits that will result. [5725/96]
Written Answers. - Social Welfare Benefits.
Community employment participants are currently insurable at class J PRSI which gives cover for occupational injuries benefit only. The participants themselves pay no PRSI contribution; their sponsors pay the class J contribution which is 0.5 per cent of weekly earnings.
The Social Welfare Bill, 1996 provides for the extension of class A PRSI (5.5 per cent of weekly earnings) to community employment participants who commence such employment on or after 6 April 1996. Class A PRSI contributions provide cover for the full range of social insurance benefits and pensions.