Ms Mary Kennedy:

The current contribution level for a class A employee is 14.75%, which is the 10.75% employer and 4% employee contribution. Self-employed contributors currently pay 4%. The report determined that the contribution level required for the State pension contributory for employees and self-employed would be 15%. The contribution rate for a self-employed person if jobseeker's benefit is added would be 16%, which equates to 15% for the SPC plus an additional 1% for jobseeker's benefit. If one wanted to provide cover for invalidity pension, which has also been mentioned, the contribution would be 17%.