Paddy Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Acting Chairman.

I have to agree with Senator Craughwell. I have raised class K on numerous occasions also. It affects every Member of this House and others. After the last election, the majority of people who lost their seats or retired were not even able to collect the jobseeker's benefit after doing so. This is a considerable indictment of the political system. Some of the individuals were here for only a very short period. To have lost their seats with no means or income was an issue. Some had families. It is very unfair, so the Minister should reconsider class K. There should be some benefits from the PRSI that Members pay, as has been said by Senator Craughwell.

This has affected many Members who lost their seats at the last election. It is a very unfair tax, amounting to 4% of one's salary. To qualify for benefits, do we have to pay a voluntary contribution on top of the 4% Members pay? It is a very unfair tax. As Senator Craughwell said, it has to be unconstitutional. I ask that the Minister look into class K. In fairness to the current Taoiseach, he did examine the issue in respect of local authority members when he was Minister for social welfare, and he made a change from class K to class S. In light of that, I ask the Minister to consider class K in respect of Members.