Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

204. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the legislation that was in place in 1984 regarding married women signing for unemployment assistance; if the case of a person (details supplied) will be investigated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3735/18]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The purpose of PRSI credited contributions (“credits”) is to secure the social welfare benefits and pensions of PRSI contributors by covering gaps in insurance on the occasions where they are not in a position to make contributions such as periods of unemployment, illness etc.

The Social Welfare (Contributions) Regulations 1953 (S.I. No. 5 of 1953) (as amended) was the relevant Statutory Instrument governing PRSI contributions in 1984. These Regulations were superseded by the Social Welfare (Consolidated Contributions and Insurability) Regulations 1996 (S.I.No.312 of 1996) (as amended).

The 1953 Regulations did not prevent married women from signing for credits for unemployment assistance. The same arrangements were in place for men and women whether married or single.

In cases where the Department has an incomplete record or no record of a person’s social insurance contribution history, including credits, the person can provide information in this regard to have the situation corrected. To do this they should submit their information and evidence to the Department for consideration to the address below.

PRSI Records,

Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection,McCarter's Road,

Ardaravan,

Buncrana,

Donegal.