313. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Social Protection if she can confirm that for PRSI purposes, postmasters are class-A PRSI contract-of-service employees according to social welfare legislation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38944/24]

There has been an agreement since 1979 between the Department, An Post and the Post Master’s Union that they be insured at PRSI Class A, but for tax purposes it is recognised that running a post office is akin to other self-employed ventures (i.e., postmasters have to maintain a premises, pay insurance, may have to hire additional counter staff, etc.).

In practical terms, this sees An Post remit postmaster’s PRSI directly to DSP, while the postmasters themselves files annual returns of income (profits) to Revenue for the collection of taxes.

I trust this clarifies matters for the Deputy.