Brendan Burgess
Founder
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PRSI
The contributory state pension is one of the key benefits funded by PRSI contributions and it represents, together with other PRSI benefit payments, excellent value for money. This is especially so for those on the lower part of the income distribution, those with shorter contribution histories, and also the self-employed. The reality is that the PRSI contributions are progressive and redistributive because people at the higher end of the income distribution generally get back less than they pay in.
In order to ensure the stability of the Social Insurance Fund so that it can continue to pay the pensions and the benefits that those earning the least are so reliant on, there is a need to broaden the income base for PRSI. My colleague Minister Burton will be increasing the minimum level of annual contribution from the self-employed from €253 to €500 and abolishing the weekly allowance for employees. Both of these measures will make a fairer link between the amount of contributions and the significant benefits received.
Minister Burton will also bring forward legislation to change PRSI contributions as follows:
The contributory state pension is one of the key benefits funded by PRSI contributions and it represents, together with other PRSI benefit payments, excellent value for money. This is especially so for those on the lower part of the income distribution, those with shorter contribution histories, and also the self-employed. The reality is that the PRSI contributions are progressive and redistributive because people at the higher end of the income distribution generally get back less than they pay in.
In order to ensure the stability of the Social Insurance Fund so that it can continue to pay the pensions and the benefits that those earning the least are so reliant on, there is a need to broaden the income base for PRSI. My colleague Minister Burton will be increasing the minimum level of annual contribution from the self-employed from €253 to €500 and abolishing the weekly allowance for employees. Both of these measures will make a fairer link between the amount of contributions and the significant benefits received.
Minister Burton will also bring forward legislation to change PRSI contributions as follows:
- Where modified PRSI rate payers have income from a trade or profession, such income and any unearned income they have will be made subject to PRSI with effect from the 1st of January 2013.
- Unearned income for everyone else will become subject to PRSI in 2014. This means that PRSI will be payable on income generated from wealth such as rental income, investment income, dividends and interest on deposits and savings.