Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 2 February 2023
344. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Social Protection if she will enable all the pension contributions made in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5520/23]
View answerPay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) is a compulsory payment by employers and employees to the Social Insurance Fund in respect of insurable employment. PRSI contributions are divided into different categories, known as PRSI classes. This determines the rate of PRSI a person is liable to pay and the social welfare benefits for which a person may qualify. The class and rate of contribution paid is determined by the nature of a person's employment and their weekly earnings. ‘Insurable employment’ is employment that is liable for PRSI contributions.
Prior to the 23rd June 2016, the named individual did not have permission to work in the State. PRSI contributions made by a person who does not have a valid visa which allows him/her to work in Ireland cannot be treated as reckonable contributions to qualify for benefits under the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005. Therefore, after full investigation, it was decided that PRSI contributions prior to the date when the Stamp 1 was issued should be removed from the individual's record.
If the individual has further evidence that he believes would change this decision, he should forward it to Client Eligibility Services, Department of Social Protection, McCarters Road, Buncrana, Co. Donegal.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
