Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have a note which might help the Deputy. Self-employed workers are liable for PRSI at the Class S rate of 4%. Class S contributions provide cover for long-term benefits such as the State pension, contributory pension and widow's or widower's pension. In certain cases a self-employed person who had insurable employment in the relevant year, currently 2008, and has paid sufficient class A contributions may qualify for a jobseeker's benefit payment provided all the contributions of the scheme are satisfied. A self-employed person who has paid insufficient class A contributions may instead qualify for jobseeker's allowance. This is a means-tested payment, and in assessing a person's means for the purpose of this allowance, account is taken of all income. The Minister is saying that if one examines the particulars of individual cases one may find the people concerned are entitled to all or some of a benefit or allowance and would as a consequence be eligible for some of the schemes. I understand the Deputy's general point that it is difficult for people who have been self-employed, whose companies have become insolvent and who are now unemployed to access the schemes. I will draw the Minister's attention to the points he makes and ask her to take his views into account if she is reassessing the criteria for eligibility.

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