Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 325: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if she will answer a question (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43506/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Permanent and pensionable employees in the public service, other than those who were recruited after 6 April, 1995, are liable to pay social insurance contributions at modified PRSI rates during their working lives.

The contributions payable by employees determine the range of benefits and pensions towards which they can build up entitlement. Employees liable for modified contributions pay a lower rate of 0.9 per cent, whereas PRSI class A contributions, which are generally payable in the private sector, are paid at 4 per cent by employees and 10.75 per cent by employers. Subject to having the required number of PRSI contributions, employees who pay modified contributions may be entitled to the following payments:

a. widow's/widower's (contributory) pension;

b. guardians payment (contributory);

c. bereavement grant, and

d. carer's benefit.

Modified contributors at PRSI classes B and D may also be eligible for occupational injuries benefits in certain circumstances.