1987. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Social Protection if he will consider the introduction of a new PRSI class for students engaged in part-time employment, which will enable them to establish entitlement to social welfare benefits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59990/26]

Most employed workers, including students aged 16 and over, pay social insurance under PRSI class A irrespective of whether they are working full time or part time. The entry threshold for class A is low. Employees with earnings of €38 or more per week are liable for PRSI class A contributions. Therefore, for example, based on the current minimum wage of €14.15 per hour, an employed worker will only be required to work just under 3 hours per week to be liable for the PRSI class A charge.

Such class A contributions entitle employees to all of the social insurance benefits available. These are:

• Adoptive Benefit.

• Benefit Payment for 65 Year Olds.

• Carer's Benefit.

• Guardian's Payment Contributory.

• Health and Safety Benefit.

• Illness Benefit.

• Invalidity Pension.

• Jobseeker's Benefit.

• Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit.

• Maternity Benefit.

• Occupational Injuries Benefit.

• Parent's Benefit.

• Partial Capacity Benefit.

• Paternity Benefit.

• State Pension (Contributory).

• Treatment Benefit.

• Bereaved Partner’s (Contributory) Pension.

I have no plans to introduce a new PRSI class for students engaged in part-time employment which would enable them to establish entitlement to social welfare benefits. The current PRSI system has a low entry threshold that allows an employed worker, including students, entitlement to all of the social insurance benefits available.

Any changes would need to be considered in an overall policy and budgetary context, taking into account the sustainability challenges facing the Social Insurance Fund.