Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)

I refer to people on very low incomes being taxed because that is what this charge does. To continue the point made by Deputy Barrett, what are the benefits of this tax? We all know that PRSI, pay-related social insurance, provided certain benefits which were available when needed but where are the benefits of this charge? Who decided on the different categories? It was always accepted that certain groups with particular needs were exempted. However, it now seems there are two categories of people with regard to social welfare, the old-age pensioners - who, in this weather, would begrudge them the couple of bob they receive - and all the others. I could never understand how widows under 66 years and left with young families through no fault of their own and on a meagre income, have not been given the household package.

A friend of mine asked me to raise this question. I refer to those employed before 1995 and post-1995 in the public sector and to whom different rates of PRSI apply. The people employed after 1995 were given an increase in their salary because it was recognised they were paying a higher contribution. Will all of those people be caught for the one charge if they earn €75,000?

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