Ms Mary Kennedy:

Deputy O'Dea mentioned the 14.75% and the 17.3%. He mentioned the €87 million, which is the cost assuming that the same level of self-employed would claim jobseeker's benefit as applies to the bulk of the population. Figures were also produced based on it being 20% lower and 20% higher. If the numbers claiming were 20% lower than the norm, the estimated cost would be €73 million in 2013 and if the incidence is 20% higher than the norm then the cost in 2013 would be €105 million. One needs to remember that these are estimates based on the best information they can use because obviously there is no information available to us of the number of self-employed who would seek these payments. We are assuming the incidence would be the same as applies in the normal population and then doing a costing on that basis and also doing some sensitivities for 20% higher and 20% lower. The €87 million figure assumes that the rate applying for jobseeker's benefit would be the same as applies to the overall population.

Senator Moloney mentioned the option to pay at class A. It is not possible to opt in or out - by and large social insurance is compulsory. If the self-employed were to pay at class A then all self-employed would have to pay whatever rate is deemed appropriate to meet the cost of the benefits. She also mentioned credits for the self-employed. As she knows there are no credits for self-employed persons at the moment. If self-employed individuals want to preserve their entitlement to their pension they would have the option of becoming a voluntary contributor. That is the only route at the moment for self-employed persons.