Majority oppose PRSI increase to fund care of the elderly

Less than one fifth of Irish people are prepared to pay the extra PRSI contributions that would be needed to fund long-term care for the elderly, according to a survey carried out by the ESRI.

The ESRI said 40% of respondents were in favour of increased taxation or PRSI contributions to fund care for Ireland's ageing population.

However, the think tank said an average PRSI increase of around €8 a week would be needed to fund a proper care package and only 17% of respondents were prepared to pay this sum.

Four fifths of respondents said they would prefer to receive care in their own homes, with most hoping to be looked after by a friend or relative.

Fifty-eight per cent of respondents also said they believed the State should fund care of the elderly, while 36% said they believed families should bear some of the cost.