asked the Minister for Social Welfare the total PRSI cash contribution in a full year following the Government's planned doubling of PRSI rates on incomes above £8,500 per annum for an employee with an annual income of (a) £10,000 and (b) £15,000; and the increase in cash terms this will represent over his present contributions.

15.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the total annual cash contribution which will accrue from the new PRSI rates in respect of (a) employees, (b) the self-employed and (c) farmers.

17.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the combined annual cash contributions for an employee arising from the Government's proposed increases in PRSI for employees earning £5,000, £10,000 and £15,000 per annum.

18.

asked the Minister for Social Welfare the combined annual cash contribution in a full year arising from the Government's proposed increases in PRSI for a married couple on PAYE each of whom earns £8,000 per annum; and the increase over their present contribution.

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 15, 17 and 18 together.

The proposals to change the rates of pay-related social insurance contribution are at present being examined. Accordingly, I am not yet in a position to give the information requested by the Deputy.

Would it be possible to change the rate of PRSI during the course of a financial year? My understanding was that because of computerisation it would not be possible.

Proposals are under consideration and as soon as the information is ready it will be before the House. Any proposals for change will be given in detail in the near future.

Perhaps the Minister might look into this because it seems it is not possible under the computer system to change the rate during the course of a financial year. When the Minister says the position is under review, does that review include actually changing the contribution rate during the course of this financial year?

I am not in a position to give this information but will make it available as soon as I can.

I welcome the Minister and Ministers of State at the Department.

A question, please.

Is it not possible to provide the calculations because they are relatively straightforward?

The system broke down when the Deputy was Minister. It was far from straightforward.

The Deputy could not provide social welfare benefits.

Six months' delay.

I would not speak too loudly.

The Minister, please.

The general outline of the proposals we intend to follow can be found in our party policy and agreed document. Details of their implementation will be before the House as soon as they are ready. We propose to raise money and spend it in ways the public have already asked for. Details will be made available as soon as they are worked out.

Well done.

It would not be difficult to do any better than the last Government.

The shadow of Deasy hangs over the Deputy.