§ 38. Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSYasked what is the position of asylum committees in Ireland under the National Insurance Act where their employés already get full pay in case of sickness and claim exemption from the Act, which has been agreed to by the said committees; and whether, on application being duly made to them, certificates of exemption will be granted by the Irish Insurance Commissioners?
§ Mr. MASTERMANEmployment under an asylum committee in Ireland can be excepted under paragraph (b) of Part II. of the First Schedule of the National Insurance Act, if the Insurance Commissioners certify that the provision made for sickness and disablement is, on the whole, not less favourable than the corresponding benefits provided by Part I. of the Act. If the full pay given in case of sickness only lasts for a limited, period, it would not be sufficient as provision must also be made for disablement.
§ Mr. O'SHAUGHNESSYIs not full pay in case of sickness equal to, if not greater, than the benefits under the Act?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe benefits given have to be equivalent to the benefits under the Act.