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Dáil
‹ Questions on Promised Legislation

Bogus self-employment

Summary

Deputy Burton raised bogus self-employment, saying consultation was complete and the issue had been examined by the Revenue Commissioners. The Tánaiste said she would seek the report information and ask the relevant Ministers to liaise with the Deputy.

I want to raise the issue of bogus or phoney self-employment whereby, as a condition of getting work, somebody is forced to become self-employed or to form a company. It means the person's employer does not pay social insurance and that the person has very little protection in terms of labour law.

When I was Minister and Tánaiste, I set up a group drawn from the Departments of Social Protection and Finance to look at the issue. My understanding is that the work on that has been complete for some time. There was a public consultation process which ended well over a year ago and I understand the information is to hand.

This issue of phoney self-employment involves a very significant number of people, including many low-paid and poor people. I want to know why both the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Social Protection are refusing to publish this report.

Comment on this

Time. This is ridiculous.

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Pat the Cope Gallagher An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Fianna Fáil

Thank you, Deputy Burton. We want to give others a chance.

Comment on this

When the Revenue Commissioners did a study of it about three years ago, it resulted in a large amount of extra tax being recovered by the State because of the bogus self-employment.

Comment on this

I will ask for the information in regard to that report to be sent to the Deputy. While I do not have details as to when it will be published, I will ask both Ministers to liaise with the Deputy. I am not familiar with the publication date.

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