Submission 138

April 2008

Green Paper submission

I am a public servant and pay PRSI Class D1, I work half time and will retire on a half pension which will not be adequate to live on. I do have other income from self employment but am prevented from paying PRSI on this income. I appear to have no mechanism with which to increase my pension or at least bring it to an adequate amount based on my other income. Having made numerous enquiries, my understanding is that because I am on Class D PRSI, I cannot pay PRSI on any other income which I might have. Neither can my self employed spouse claim me as a dependant as I am only half dependant therefore no allowance is paid for me. There are a number of people in this situation who work part time and also have self employment income. We would like to make PRSI contributions on our other income so that we might have a reasonable income on retirement.
Rental income which I understand is classed as “unearned income” and therefore PRSI cannot be paid on it. This is very unfair, not only is it earned income but often “hard earned” income. Please look at these areas and treat all citizens fairly.