Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 199: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the categories of workers in the public service who pay an A stamp while temporary or on probation and who, when promoted or made permanent, lose the stamp; the reason for this; the loss of entitlements involved; if this will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9632/05]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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People who enter public sector employment with effect from 6 April 1995 are insured at the full class A rate of PRSI, which covers all benefits and pensions. Where a person is employed on 5 April 1995 in the public sector in a capacity which is not permanent and pensionable and, subsequently, ceases to be so employed, but immediately upon such cessation, becomes employed in a permanent and pensionable capacity as a civil or public servant, that person becomes a modified contributor. However, class A contributions paid by that person prior to the date of becoming permanent and pensionable stand. The regulations covering the payment of modified insurance in these circumstances — SI 312 of 1996 — were introduced to allow employees working in the civil and public service on 5 April 1995 the opportunity to avail of the same benefits as existing staff.

People insured at this modified rate are covered for widow's or widower's contributory pension, orphan's contributory allowance, deserted wife's benefit and occupational injuries benefits. Persons on the modified rate of insurance are not entitled to short-term benefit, including unemployment benefit and disability benefit. However, the terms of employment of those becoming permanent and pensionable civil servants provide for payments during illness. They are also covered by superannuation schemes in operation in the civil and public service. While all aspects of my Department's business are kept under review, there are no plans to change these arrangements.