Vol. 541 No. 2
370 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that PRSI contributions are charged on every pound over £280; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that this causes hardship for retired persons (details supplied) in Dublin 12 on relatively small income; and if he will raise the threshold. [21302/01]
Employees in the private sector paying Class A PRSI contribution rates are liable for PRSI on a weekly earnings, non cumulative basis, as follows – under £30 per week, no employee contribution is payable and the individual is covered only for occupational injuries benefit; £30 – £226 per week, no employee contribution is payable, but the individual is covered for the full range of benefits; £226.01-£280 per week, the employee receives a weekly PRSI allowance of £100 and pays a contribution rate of 4% on the balance; earnings in excess of £280 per week, the employee receives his/her £100 weekly PRSI allowance and pays a rate of 4% on the balance. However, a health levy of 2%, which is unrelated to the PRSI but which is collected through that system, becomes payable on the first £1 of weekly income.
