asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he is considering the imposition of PRSI contributions on public servants.

Certain permanent and pensionable public servants are at present covered by the social insurance system on a modified basis which covers them for widows and orphans pensions only. Their occupational sick pay and pension arrangements reflect the fact that they are not covered for the other benefits of the social insurance system.

The question as to whether the people concerned should be covered for all the benefits of the social insurance system and pay full PRSI contributions has been raised in many reports and discussions in recent years including the report of the Commission on Social Welfare, which recommended this course of action. This question, however, raises major issues and would have serious widespread implications. There are no plans at present to bring the public servants concerned into full social insurance coverage.

Will the Minister say if he has any plans to increase the present level of PRSI contributions paid by public servants in the coming year?

I have already answered that question by saying that there are no plans at present to bring the public servants concerned into full social insurance.

That is not an answer to my question. I asked the Minister if he has any plans, or if he is considering any increase in the level of the PRSI contributions of public servants.

I can only repeat what I said, that there are no such plans at present.

I will have to repeat my question because I want to get an answer from the Minister.

We should not have repetition of this type at Question Time.

The Minister is not helping the House by not replying to the question. Will he categorically rule out any increase in the level of PRSI contributions by public servants in 1988?

I have already answered that question.

This cannot go on indefinitely.

The Minister is wriggling out of this. The unions have been conned and the pay agreement is going to be perverted.