Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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94. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the statutory entitlements for county councillors regarding sick leave and sick pay (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27501/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Issues relating to sick leave generally and occupational sick pay arrangements for county councillors are solely a matter for the Minister of Environment, Community and Local Government.

County councillors are public office holders. Public office holders pay PRSI at the Class K rate of 4% on their income as an office holder, provided that income exceeds €5,200 a year (€100 a week). All public office holders are liable to pay the contribution regardless of age. Public office holders include the President, members of either House of the Oireachtas, members of the Judiciary, the Attorney General and Controller and Auditor General, as well as County Councillors.

Payment of class K PRSI by office holders does not establish any social insurance entitlements, including entitlement to social insurance benefits such as illness benefit. County councillors may, however, establish entitlement to social insurance benefits based on their non-council related activities. In some instance councillors may, in addition to their council duties, also be employees and as such may establish entitlement to certain social insurance benefits and pensions, including illness benefit.

County councillors may also opt to pay voluntary contributions to maintain certain existing social insurance entitlements, provided they satisfy the qualifying conditions. In the case of State pension (contributory), voluntary contributions will maintain (or in some cases improve) the yearly average number of contributions which determines the rate at which the pension is paid.

Voluntary contributions paid by those who were previously self-employed or those whose last PRSI contributions were at class A, E or H provide cover for State pension (contributory), widow's or widower's contributory pension and guardian's (contributory) allowance. Voluntary contributions paid by those whose last PRSI contributions were at Class B, C or D (modified contributors) provide cover for widow's or widower's contributory pension and guardian's (contributory) allowance.