asked the Minister for Finance the estimated amount of PRSI to be paid in by farmers for the financial year 1988-89.

The estimated total amount of social insurance contributions to be collected from the self-employed, including farmers, in respect of the tax year 1988-89 is £27 million. This is the full year equivalent of the £15 million estimated, in the budget 1988, to be collected in calendar year 1988. The Social Welfare section in Table B of Part I of the Principal Features refers. There are estimates of the amounts to be collected under the 3 per cent contribution rate, subject to the £208 minimum contribution, in respect of tax year 1988-89. A breakdown of these amounts as between farmers and other self-employed is not available.