Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail)
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2132. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if her Department is conducting a review regarding the appropriate type of contribution payable by employees of Coillte which is presently the subject of an appeal (details supplied) with the Chief Appeals Officer; the status of this review; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28940/17]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Scope insurability section in the Department of Social Protection makes statutory decisions on insurability of employment under the Social Welfare Act. Employers, employees and the self-employed may apply to Scope for an investigation of an employment status and a determination of the correct class of PRSI. Scope decisions are based on all available evidence, including a report from a social welfare inspector where appropriate, and the case law from previous court judgements.

Coillte has appealed the decision of a deciding officer in Scope section concerning the insurability of employment of 39 employees in Coillte, to the Social Welfare Appeals Office. The Social Welfare Appeals office performs its statutory functions independently of the Minister for Employment and Social Protection and it would be inappropriate to comment on the matter under appeal.

Separately, the Department has received a submission from Coillte in respect to one aspect of the cases considered by Scope section. The Department has sought legal advice on the submission and will revert to Coillte and, if necessary, the employees concerned in due course.