238. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Social Protection if the PRSI increases are included in the base. [43791/24]

My Department has clarified that the Deputy is referring to PRSI rate increases outlined in the PRSI Roadmap 2024 - 2028, and that the base refers to Social Insurance Fund (SIF) revenue projections included in the Stability Programme Update.

This forecast is produced on a no policy change basis. This means that potential future Budget measures, such as increases to the rate of payment for social protection schemes, are not taken into account.

However, account is taken of measures that have already been announced when the forecast was produced.

The increases to PRSI rates outlined in the PRSI Roadmap had been already been agreed by Government when the SIF forecast for the 2024 Stability Programme Update was produced, and as such were factored into the revenue projections.

I trust this clarified matters for the Deputy.