John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the increase given by the Department of Social and Family Affairs to participants in the community employment scheme with an adult dependant pushes this category into the PRSI bracket taking most of the recent Budget 2008 increase back in social insurance; if he has had discussions with the Department of Social and Family Affairs in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4365/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Increases for Community Employment participant grants are a matter for my Department and reflect the changes in the budget with respect to increases in Social Welfare payments. The CE participant grant increases are effective from 1st January annually. In January 2008, the rates were increased by €20 per week for participants with an adult dependant, increasing this grant to €353.50.

I am aware that, following this increase the grant is now subject to PRSI as it exceeds the weekly PRSI threshold of €352, making the amount payable in Employees PRSI is €9.06. However, I should say that the aim of CE remains as an active labour market programme with the emphasis on progression into employment where the employee would, in any event be obliged to pay a PRSI contribution.