Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 617: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if all employers when registering as self-employed were notified of the construction workers pension scheme by the relevant authority; if all registered people in the industry that have passed through FÁS as part of their training have been notified of the existence of the construction workers pension scheme; if they have not been notified, his views on whether it is fair that employers should be randomly selected by trade unions and so on to be brought into this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1086/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Neither my Department nor its agencies are responsible for registering people as self-employed. Persons wishing to register as self-employed should file their records with the Revenue Commissioners for tax purposes and the Department of Social and Family Affairs for social insurance matters.

While FÁS runs courses for the training, assessment and certification of construction operatives as well as health and safety awareness instruction in this area, these courses are designed to focus on practical skills. However FÁS also offers more general training courses designed for those who have an interest in setting up their own business. The courses contain a number of specific modules including instruction on legislative responsibilities for the self-employed regarding taxation and Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI).

The Construction Industry (Pension Assurance and Sick Pay) Registered Employment Agreement (REA) requires employers in the construction sector to become and remain a party to a contributory pension scheme approved by the Revenue Commissioners and sets out the conditions upon which pension and mortality payments are payable and the associated minimum amounts and benefits. Accordingly the question of random selection does not arise. A copy of the agreement is available on the website of the Labour Court: http://www.labourcourt.ie