Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 January 2013
542. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Social Protection if she has examined the consequences of the changes made to PRSI in budget 2013 for community employment participants; the impact these changes will have for the take home pay of CE participants; and if CE participants will still get at least €20 more than they would if they remained on jobseeker's assistance. [1858/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department reviewed the changes on Community Employment and other programmes following the passing of the Social Welfare Bill. As participants on CE are employees of schemes, CE sponsors are obliged to pay PRSI at the appropriate class (A8/A9).
For the majority of CE participants who are earning €352 or less, there will be no change as the 0% Class A8 rate of PRSI applies. However, the change will affect CE participants who earn in excess of €352 per week. These participants are now subject to the revised Class A9 rate of PRSI and will pay 4% on the total income. For those CE participants their income will be reduced accordingly.
