Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 November 2016
319. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection the extent to which the self-employed can qualify for various social protection supports now and in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36297/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraSelf-employed persons, who earn €5,000 or more in a contribution year, are liable for PRSI at the Class S rate of 4%, subject to a minimum annual payment of €500. This provides them with access to the following benefits: State pension (contributory), widow’s, widower’s or surviving civil partner’s pension (contributory), guardian’s payment (contributory), maternity benefit, paternity benefit and adoptive benefit.
Core to the Programme for Government focusing on improving the position of the self-employed, is the commitment to introduce an improved PRSI scheme for the self-employed.
In Budget 2017, I announced the extension of cover for invalidity pension to the self-employed on the same basis as employees, with effect from December 2017. Gaining access to invalidity pension will provide the self-employed with a much stronger safety net to protect them in the event of significant injury or disablement.
In addition the self-employed will have access to the treatment benefit scheme which provides partial dental, optical and aural services to qualified people, from March 2017. Treatment benefit entitlements will be extended further from October 2017 for the self-employment and employees, providing additional dental and optical benefits.
In 2017, my Department will carry out detailed work to establish how to provide a better safety net for self-employed workers whose business fails. The outcome will be considered in a Budgetary context.
