Bogus self-employment report
Deputy Joan Burton demands publication of a report on bogus self-employment and the PRSI losses involved. The Minister says there is no refusal to publish; the report will be released after departmental consideration and discussion with Revenue.
We are all familiar with the situation of people who are going for jobs who, instead of being given contracts of employment, are forced into bogus self-employment. When I was Minister, I commissioned a report on this problem based on data supplied by a variety of organisations. This problem is resulting in significant losses of employers' contributions to the PRSI system. I cannot understand why the Taoiseach who was the Minister responsible and the current Minister who has stated she wishes to do something about this scandal are refusing to publish the report on bogus self-employment. Why are they refusing to do so? I understand the report has been ready for practically a year, but it has still not been published.
Comment on this
There is no refusal to publish the report. It will be published once it has been considered within my Department. I have made-----
Comment on this
I am sorry; the Minister to reply on the publication of the report. A brief answer, please.
Comment on this
I thank the Lean-Cheann Comhairle. I have been asked a question and the Deputy has to give me an opportunity to answer, if that is okay. There is no refusal to publish the report. It will be published when we have finished considering its contents and deliberated with the Revenue Commissioners on what should be done next. When we are ready, we will publish the report.