Dermot Ahern
Ceist:64 Mr. D. Ahern asked the Minister for Social Welfare the plans, if any, he has to exempt old age pensioners over 70 years of age from paying PRSI. [18548/96]
Written Answers. - PRSI Exemption.
Persons over age 66 are not liable to pay contributions towards the Social Insurance Fund from which the various social welfare benefits are paid. Where such a person is in employment an employer contribution, Class J, is payable in respect of occupational injuries insurance at the rate of 0.5 per cent of earnings to a maximum of £26,800 a year.
Persons over 66 and receiving an occupational pension or employed or self-employed are liable to pay levies in respect of income in excess of £188 a week. These comprise a health contribution levy at 1.25 per cent towards funding the national health services and a training levy at 1 per cent towards funding the national training services. The levies are collected through the PRSI system on behalf of the Department of Health and the Department of Enterprise and Employment respectively. Any question regarding exemption from the levies is a matter for the Departments concerned.