Vol. 463 No. 6
242 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Minister for Social Welfare the benefit to an insured person who pays class D stamp; if a person has a right to demand that he pay class A1 stamp; if an employee can ask his employers to change his contribution to a class A1 stamp in order to qualify him for disability benefit and contributory retirement pension after he has gained the necessary 39 A1 stamps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7117/96]
Class D is a modified rate of PRSI payable by public sector workers employed in a permanent and pensionable capacity and whose employment commenced prior to 6 April 1995. People insured at this modified rate are covered for widow's or widower's contributory pension, orphan's contributory allowance, deserted wife's benefit and occupational injuries benefits.
The rate of PRSI is determined by the nature of the employment concerned and an employee who is compulsorily insured at a modified rate cannot opt to pay a higher rate to acquire additional benefit or pension entitlements.
