Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 March 2012
268 Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Social Protection if her attention has been drawn to the hardships caused by the temporary cessation of work by the Scope section on claims for support to her Department by affected persons; when the review of the Scope section will be completed; the measures in place to deal with cases which would normally be dealt with by the section; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12508/12]
View answerI assume the Deputy is referring to insurability decisions in relation to working directors. The Scope section of the Department continues to make decisions in relation to all other insurability matters.
The determination of the PRSI insurability status of working directors has been the subject of recent legal advice and court judgments. As a result of these developments the Department is currently examining its procedures for determining the insurability status of working directors to ensure that its decisions are in accordance with best practice and legal advice. I regret the difficulties caused by the delay in processing cases for decision however this is a very difficult and complicated aspect of insurability and it is vital that this matter be examined fully before any further decisions are issued.
