M. J. Nolan
Ceist:38 Mr. Nolan asked the Minister for Social Welfare the rates of PRSI that apply for the year 1996; and the income thresholds that apply to each rate. [10380/96]
Written Answers. - PRSI Rates.
The standard class A rate of PRSI, which applies to the vast majority of workers, varies according to weekly earnings. Employees earning below £30 per week are normally insured for occupational injuries benefits only. The employee does not pay any contribution and the employer pays 0.5 per cent.
Where weekly earnings are between £30 and £250, the employer pays a reduced rate of 8.5 per cent. Where weekly earnings exceed £250, the employer's share is 12 per cent. Employees pay 5.5 per cent on earnings above the PRSI-free allowance of £80 per week. The annual income ceiling for PRSI purposes is currently £22,300 for employees and £26,500 for employers.
The employee with earnings over £188 is liable to pay additional levies of 2.25 per cent—health contribution-employment and training levy—on all earnings, with no upper income ceiling. These levies do not apply to medical card holders, recipients of a social welfare widow's-widower's pension, deserted wife's benefit-allowance or lone parent's allowance.
Full information on current PRSI rates is contained in an information leaflet published by my Department in March of this year. I have arranged to have a copy of the leaflet forwarded to the Deputy.