Varadkar: PRSI rule unfair for politicians

TDs, senators, judges and councillors will be deducted an average of €2,500 a year after a rule that made them exempt from paying PRSI was scrapped in January.

But Transport Minister Leo Varadkar believes it is unfair that office holders will not be entitled to the same pension, sick pay or other benefits as other workers contributing to the social insurance fund because of the new charge introduced in last December’s budget.

He asked then Social Protection Minister Éamon Ó Cuív days after the deduction came into effect what benefits would accrue to those now liable for the 4% PRSI payment. But the reply to his Dáil question said that, while the Government decision was in accordance with the solidarity principle of the social insurance fund, office holders would receive no benefits.