Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Social Protection Minister Joan Burton Photocall Ireland

ISME: Plans to increase PRSI for self employed "utter madness"

The proposed rise in Pay Related Social Insurance is being considered by Minister Joan Burton.

BUSINESS GROUP ISME has come out strongly against proposals to increase PRSI for the self-employed, labelling the idea “utter madness at a time of hardship”.

The proposal to up the contribution from 4 per cent to 5.5 per cent is contained in a report published today by the Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare. It’s aimed at providing additional benefits in the event of a person suffering a long-term sickness or injury.

Social Protection Minister Joan Burton said the recommendations of the Group would be taken on board and considered by Government:

My colleagues in Government and I will now carefully reflect on the findings of the Advisory Group on this issue and will further consider the recommendations contained in the report taking into account future developments in terms of the budgetary and fiscal situation as well as other work under way.

However, the proposal is coming in for major criticism from business groups, including ISME, which represents small and medium-sized enterprises. CEO Mark Fielding called it an example of discrimination against entrepreneurs:

Any mandatory increase in taxation on the self-employed at this stage will delay and in many cases kill business proposals, which would create jobs in the economy.

The criticism was echoed by other business groups, with the Small Firms Association saying that any additional taxes would “push already struggling owner managers out of business and fuel the unemployment crisis”.

Ian Talbot of Chambers Ireland said there was “no justification” for the move, adding:

Any increase should be entirely voluntary and ‘opt in’ in nature, especially given that income protection plans can be bought privately

Under the current system, all self-employed people with an annual income of over €5,000 pay a Class S PRSI rate of 4 per cent, subject to a minimum annual contribution of €500.

Read: HMV re-opens its first store on Henry Street in Dublin >

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
107 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Leslie Alan Rock
    Favourite Leslie Alan Rock
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 2:54 PM

    Im convinced that they are purposely trying to stop the country recovering. I really do. Either that or they are ridiculously stupid

    359
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute P O Leary.
    Favourite P O Leary.
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 2:59 PM

    i would say it is the latter.

    173
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute graham galvin
    Favourite graham galvin
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:08 PM

    I would say its the former.they dont want recovery.too many super rich doing well off the backs of everyone else.

    121
    See 16 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chopstix
    Favourite Chopstix
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:16 PM

    They need to go!!

    108
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Niamh Byrne
    Favourite Niamh Byrne
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:21 PM

    Not stupid at all just underhand. Burton knows that if a self employed person loses their business, they can’t claim jobseekers so a hike in prsi is money with no payouts. Easy money for the govt and they know it.

    189
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chopstix
    Favourite Chopstix
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:28 PM

    Minipulate the self employed … Sure they never protest in large numbers anyway yea they can do what they want when they want and how they want because they know the public will take it…..IT’S TIME TO STOP TAKING IT…

    103
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Carcu Sidub
    Favourite Carcu Sidub
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:33 PM

    Leslie

    Why do we have to pick?

    I think they are purposely trying to stop the country recovering, beacuse they are ridiculously stupid.

    61
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Doug
    Favourite Doug
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 5:01 PM

    Self employed CAN receive job seekers, and can continue to trade depending on their income.

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Niamh Byrne
    Favourite Niamh Byrne
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 5:05 PM

    Really…Doug perhaps you know more than citizens advice… http://www.selfemployedsupports.ie/jb_and_self_employment.en.html

    46
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Doug
    Favourite Doug
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 5:09 PM

    Niamh, check job seekers allowance, not benefit. I am correct.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Niamh Byrne
    Favourite Niamh Byrne
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 5:25 PM

    Doug you did not specify, nor did I, so just wondering how that makes you correct? I gave you the link.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Irish Revolution
    Favourite Irish Revolution
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 5:41 PM

    This is Labour and FG doing their level best to stifle entrepreneurship. Its also discrimination.

    36
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Doug
    Favourite Doug
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 5:45 PM

    Niamh, I’m correct in what I originally said, self employed can receive job seekers payment. Of course I should have specified job seekers allowance!

    18
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Niamh Byrne
    Favourite Niamh Byrne
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 6:00 PM
    20
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Doug
    Favourite Doug
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 6:26 PM

    Niamh, ur getting into semantics now. Read my original post, I said it depends on their income as to whether they get a payment. I’m glad u have the correct link though!

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Niamh Byrne
    Favourite Niamh Byrne
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 6:33 PM

    Semantics or not you are losing sight of the issue which is that a hike of 2% on self employed is easy money for the government, as only a tiny minority MAY be entitled to claim jobseekers allowance.

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Doug
    Favourite Doug
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 6:57 PM

    I was only trying to debunk the lie that self employed can’t receive a social welfare payment. I think self employed should be given the option to pay extra prsi and receive the benefits if they need to claim, especially if they are ill and unable to work. But it should be optional.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Niamh Byrne
    Favourite Niamh Byrne
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 7:55 PM

    So ur saying that self employed MAY access jobseekers allowance in very limited circumstances but that it’s a lie to say the majority can’t. Ok. With ur ability to be so black and white you should get a job in politics. My point is that this is easy money for the govt and they know it.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Doug
    Favourite Doug
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 8:46 PM

    Self employed can access job seekers allowance under exactly the same rules as everyone else. To be honest job seekers benefit is no great advantage anymore as it’s only paid for 6 months. So I don’t think the self employed are any more disadvantaged only having access to the means test as most job seekers will likely have to face a means test anyway.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michelle Mc Loughney
    Favourite Michelle Mc Loughney
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 2:57 PM

    Absolutely sickening. My husband and I are both self employed. His business is gone and he is entitled to nothing. I pay 10,000 a year on tax, Prsi and employer’s tax. Barely getting by, not entitled to a state pension, and they want more. Vultures.

    211
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Reg
    Favourite Reg
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:39 PM

    You could be entitled to the state pension Michelle if you’ve made sufficient contributions. You’d have to check it out.

    48
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Leanne Porter
    Favourite Leanne Porter
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 4:06 PM

    Your right Michelle, doesn’t matter how much PRSI a self employed person pays they are entitled to f all! Just a widows pension and maternity leave.. But what good is maternity leave to a man?? Self employed can’t claim illness benefit or job seekers if anything were to happen – it’s joke!

    65
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute AICS (Steve Tracey)
    Favourite AICS (Steve Tracey)
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 4:56 PM

    Hi Leannr,
    Not quitecz100% correct, self employed are entitled to SW following a means test .So if you’re single, living alone, no other income , savings below 5k you will receive a maximum off€188.00 if your rent is less than€120.00 you will receive rent supplement although you will have to pay €30.00 yourself so additional 90 pw.
    That is of course irregardless of how much you have paid in tax president etc.
    Now doesn’t that make everyone feel better.

    14
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Alan Burke
    Favourite Alan Burke
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 2:51 PM

    What a disgraceful proposal.

    156
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Matt
    Favourite Matt
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:12 PM

    13.8% in the UK

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chopstix
    Favourite Chopstix
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:20 PM

    Matt
    Who cares about the UK it has nothing to do with Ireland.

    127
    See 21 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Matt
    Favourite Matt
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:29 PM

    Europe and the UK bailed your ass out. You should care. The rates they pay in Europe and the UK are a lot more than what you pay in Ireland. You had it good for a long time.

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chopstix
    Favourite Chopstix
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:33 PM

    Matt
    If you like the uk so much go live there as I said who cares about them you troll

    105
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Denito
    Favourite Denito
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:38 PM

    What’s the top rate of self-employed USC rate in the UK?

    64
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Usawadee Wannapho
    Favourite Usawadee Wannapho
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 4:01 PM

    Chopstix, please behave.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Leanne Porter
    Favourite Leanne Porter
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 4:02 PM

    The cost of living is totally different from the UK and Ireland so we have every right to want it as low as possible!

    49
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Little Jim
    Favourite Little Jim
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 4:10 PM

    The self employed on the other island have a lot more support if things go wrong.
    Their prsi is actually used like insurance, because it is just that, insurance.

    64
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Leanne Porter
    Favourite Leanne Porter
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 4:13 PM

    Pretty sure in the UK have most of their healthcare free – I’m sure not all of it is free but most of it is

    62
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Damian Moran
    Favourite Damian Moran
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 4:16 PM

    Politicians are paid less in the uk.

    53
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chopstix
    Favourite Chopstix
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 4:18 PM

    Usawadee
    You can keep him company if you like

    27
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Enid O'Dowd
    Favourite Enid O'Dowd
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 4:31 PM

    Leanne, visiting the GP is free for all. Some get prescriptions free, children, over 60s and some other categories. Prescriptions are much cheaper than here and you can buy the equivalent of a monthly/longer ticket and it makes the cost per item very reasonable. My daughter recently signed on with a London GP – very impressed – called in for a range of routine tests(all free) and a minor health matter (with no symptons at that stage) was picked up and is now being addressed.

    46
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Leanne Porter
    Favourite Leanne Porter
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 4:34 PM

    Amazing! And yet here only if you are poor enough or have an ongoing serious health problem will you get a medical card. Even that doesn’t cover everything anymore.

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Niall Sullivan
    Favourite Niall Sullivan
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 4:44 PM

    Afaik Matt the small to medium enterprises {SME’s} are the largest private employers in the country, outdoing the pharmaceuticals dramatically.

    In the wider EU they account for over 95% of the total number of businesses and well over 70% of the total jobs..

    Yet as is in Ireland they already pay disproportionately, can’t get finance from the banks either and although many claim that their particular industry or sector is the backbone of the economy, at a guess I’d say if anyone in Ireland is it’s the SME’s.

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute AICS (Steve Tracey)
    Favourite AICS (Steve Tracey)
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 5:00 PM

    Once again Leanne,
    Almost 100% health care in UK with exception dental is free, prescriptions cost less for theses that aren’t free. There’s also loads of services which aren’t charged for unlike here.
    Before the trolls with their “why don’t you go and live there” start.
    Simple for all the bad points I like living here.

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Little Jim
    Favourite Little Jim
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 5:34 PM

    Have to agree AICS, loved my time there. Bringing up my kids here though. It’s tough but the payoff is worth it. Being Irish is still a commodity.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Marc Creighton
    Favourite Marc Creighton
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 7:18 PM

    It’s a big misconception that the Uk has free healthcare, yes it’s free at the point of care but everybody pays for it via higher taxation.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute sean o reilly
    Favourite sean o reilly
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 7:46 PM

    We bailed out their ass with there incompetent banks let us not forget that Matt.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Matt
    Favourite Matt
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 9:45 PM

    Yeah behave chopstix or ill ram the up your backside.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Matt
    Favourite Matt
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 9:48 PM

    Nope you didn’t bail out any UK banks. Just the Irish ones.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chopstix
    Favourite Chopstix
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 10:34 PM

    Matt
    Your a funny guy. Beyond laughable

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Matt
    Favourite Matt
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 11:15 PM

    Thanks chopstix. The only thing beyond laughable is the amount of things Irish people got away without paying for years. You had it good for a long time. Now it’s time to pay up like the rest of Europe.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute seamus mcdermott
    Favourite seamus mcdermott
    Report
    Sep 7th 2013, 10:27 AM

    Oh they did, did they? They bailed MY ass out? Funny, don’t recall seeing any checks deposited in my accounts from them.
    Now, on the other hand, they let the corporate tax rate settle as one of the lowest in Europe. Attracts big companies to Ireland. Not many jobs, though. Many of them import their workers from Pakistan and Bangladesh. India as well. Lots of out-sourcing. Not much training of Irish workers to do anything but work in call-centers or push shopping trolleys around. And not much tax revenue by time the accountants finish their creative exercises. It does help to give a falsely positive indication of more exports though, since these non-tax-paying corporations can use Ireland to feed their goods–or more often “services” (and mainly of the “financial” variety– into Europe and our trading partners.
    But that’s beside the point. Let’s raise the taxes on the guy who fixes shoes and makes keys. Greedy little bastards.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Reg
    Favourite Reg
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 2:59 PM

    And what about the PAYE tax credit that I cannot claim? I pay my income tax through the PAYE system and this costs me €1650 each year. Labour attempting to screw small business owners again.

    122
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Stephen Carroll
    Favourite Stephen Carroll
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:12 PM

    Why tax job creators and spenders, that’s just wringing the throats of any left standing from the recession

    87
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jonie Kinsella
    Favourite Jonie Kinsella
    Report
    Sep 8th 2013, 8:41 AM

    Stephen if you work in this country your fukced

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute AA
    Favourite AA
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 2:53 PM

    Absolutely disastrous idea

    80
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Taxi Bill
    Favourite Taxi Bill
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 2:59 PM

    Many self employed are just about making ends meet! please note the word “employed” the sugestion could only come from people who produce nothing and live high on the hog from other peoples hard work.

    78
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute james r
    Favourite james r
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:05 PM

    Don’t get angry get even folks strike on a national scale . This is only about one thing with this government sort out the billions to the gambling bond holders the rest can lay over and die !!

    47
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jim Brady
    Favourite Jim Brady
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:29 PM

    James, are you seriously proposing that the self-employed go on strike?
    This is a wind up, right?

    41
    See 3 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Usawadee Wannapho
    Favourite Usawadee Wannapho
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 4:04 PM

    Would that be the unemployed Bill, because it certainly sounds like them.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Taxi Bill
    Favourite Taxi Bill
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 4:28 PM

    Well usawadee, I was speaking about TD,s etc, but in certain circumstances, if the cap fits!!!!!!

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute james r
    Favourite james r
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 7:05 PM

    I said national strike !!

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Simon King
    Favourite Simon King
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:05 PM

    Still waiting for something innovative to come from this government – here they are proposing yet another short sighted shake down for quick revenue … We need younger, fresher and talented leadership in this country

    74
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Carcu Sidub
    Favourite Carcu Sidub
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:36 PM

    Simon

    If you want younger, fresher and talented leadership in this country, you better look up to the heavens as Aer Lingus & Ryanair have them as customers.

    48
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute P o leathlobhair
    Favourite P o leathlobhair
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:09 PM

    Absolutely appalling … Stuck in a mortgage I can’t pay back … Can’t earn enough to pay USC and now this … Even if it is kite flying I hope they wrap the kite string around burtons neck and a hurricane comes along

    62
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Max
    Favourite Max
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:05 PM

    This government will try anything to get rid of us, whether it’s suicide or immigration, they are your only choices really, all is well an good if you’ve plenty of money of course, and we do nothing about, just have an old mope and whine about it, we irish get off on that kind of stuff

    44
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Mc
    Favourite Paul Mc
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:16 PM

    Minister for social protection my eye.

    37
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Dave Byrne
    Favourite Dave Byrne
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:24 PM

    Prsi is just another form of tax as a Paye worker you don’t benefit from paying it,Years ago you could get dental & optician visits for free not anymore.

    36
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Michelle Mc Loughney
    Favourite Michelle Mc Loughney
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 5:25 PM

    The reality is many self employed businesses have no vat to collect back from. Mine included, as a montessori/childcare business. My business is attached to my home so I have been paying water rates etc from day one. I’m not looking for anything different from what every PAYE worker is already getting. I pay prsi, universal social charge, my accountant (1,000 per year) as well as 10,000 in income tax. I work from 7am to 6pm, have not taken a sick day in 12 years and I am not paid for the 17 days holidays I take a year. I’m not looking for a round of applause, I’m just stating a fact. We are small businesses trying to stay afloat. Cut 20 euro off my weekly take home pay and I will feel it. In the celtic tiger era I didn’t reap benefits. My child:adult ratio was the same throughout the boom ans bust. I have however lost money on every client who got let go from work in the recession. And my wages went down from week to week as a result of re advertising spaces. I have had 6 clients from one company in Shannon who lost their jobs on the same day. I lost 900 euro per week and still had to pay staff(obviously). I have been in mortgage arrears which I have cleared by taking on extra work in evenings. No small business owner is flush.

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Craig Mcivor
    Favourite Craig Mcivor
    Report
    Sep 7th 2013, 12:05 AM

    I am self employed as well and I tell my clients to pay higher rate Prsi which you can choose to do. As paye worker contributions are 14.75%if you include employers Prsi 10.75% as well. What do you expect for 4%. You paid 10k tax as I say to my clients you earn it you pay tax on it that would suggest a profit of between 30-40 k not a bad living in these times. I disagree with this proposal as there are cheaper ways to cover long term insurance for self employed.

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute tom
    Favourite tom
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 4:37 PM

    We need to wake up and inform the EU that a working population of less than 1.8 million can’t support the remaining 3 million and state bodies while repaying debt and loans. It doesn’t matter what way you carve it up or play with the figuers. Be it 60 billion 100 billion or what ever we owe, there just isn’t the working population to do it all.

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Taxi Bill
    Favourite Taxi Bill
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 4:36 PM

    most self employed don’t get sick / holiday pay , or automatic pensions, if we are not working we don’t make any money.

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ash
    Favourite Ash
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 2:53 PM

    Sure what’s the problem… Self employed people complain plenty about not being able to claim unemployment benefit when things go bad… If it ment that would change with a PRSI increase what’s the big deal. They don’t complain when business is good and the money rolls in.

    28
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sharon Obrien
    Favourite Sharon Obrien
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 2:58 PM

    Did you not read the story they allready pay p.r.s.i and get nothing back.

    99
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Reg
    Favourite Reg
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:00 PM

    We also pay more income tax.

    89
    See 16 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute susanna smyth
    Favourite susanna smyth
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:01 PM

    Anyone hear the article on RTE this morning about an Irish guy who has been on death row in the US for 10 years. His trial is coming up on Monday and he may be executed. There is a British charity trying to help him. Any Irish consular assistance Maybe the journal could fill us in.

    19
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ash
    Favourite Ash
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:03 PM

    I don’t know many employees who get to claim vat back… I wouldn’t mind being able to do that now.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Floodzie
    Favourite Floodzie
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:08 PM

    I’m taxed at 52%+ already, hardly money rolling in.

    52
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Reg
    Favourite Reg
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:11 PM

    Ash, you can only claim VAT back for goods and services that are purchased for the business. My small business has a financial controller and the books are audited annually by an accountant, both of whom would not tolerate this type of behaviour. Just because some do this goes on does not mean it is going on wholesale. The revenue commissioners are very hot on VAT fraud.

    66
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Stephen Carroll
    Favourite Stephen Carroll
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:13 PM

    Well because they would be paying more taxes for people on benefits and be offered no security or reward in return

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sharon Obrien
    Favourite Sharon Obrien
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:19 PM

    And Reg you also have to pay the accountant to work out what vat you have to pay,,

    41
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Reg
    Favourite Reg
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:20 PM

    Ash, you also forgetting that many self employed people/small business owners were employees for many years and loose automatic access to a fund they may have contributed to for many years as soon as they set up their own business. This is wholly unjust.

    56
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Reg
    Favourite Reg
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:22 PM

    Yes Sharon, we are so collect a lot of tax for the state in the form of VAT and there are considerable administrative costs that small businesses have to bear to achieve this.

    38
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sharon Obrien
    Favourite Sharon Obrien
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:29 PM

    You are right,my husband is self employed just about hanging on,some of these people have not got a clue what has to be paid out,taxes,charges even down to the cost of having a credit card system in a shop. But why should we worry about most people think we are rolling in it according to them.

    38
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Reg
    Favourite Reg
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:33 PM

    We’re not retail but did receive the occasional credit card payment. We got rid of the credit credit machine and the franking machine to cut costs over the last few years. Rolling in it Sharon!!

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sharon Obrien
    Favourite Sharon Obrien
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:52 PM

    Any jobs for my hubby Reg,,,lol

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Niall Sullivan
    Favourite Niall Sullivan
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 4:48 PM

    A lot of small businesses don’t bother with accountants Sharon. They learn how to do it themselves – something I was always woeful at to my detriment.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Willie Bill Bryan
    Favourite Willie Bill Bryan
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 6:37 PM

    Ash your a complete sack , last time the cash rolled in for me was my First Holy communion ! Listening to idiots like you keep the workers yes workers in this country divided ! Little bit of info Ash the selfemployed small buisness pays 6 times the amount of tax the PRSI person pays on the same wages dam right I’m mad at the stupidity of this government !!!

    24
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sharon Obrien
    Favourite Sharon Obrien
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 9:07 PM

    Wish we could do it ourselfs but l would be the one to mess up somewhere and end up in mountjoy,,,,lol,,would rather pay some one who knows what they are doing.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Reg
    Favourite Reg
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 9:53 PM

    Same with ourselves Sharon, our bookeeper is only part-time but it is money well spent.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute tax slave
    Favourite tax slave
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 10:42 PM

    Ash hole

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sam Rhodes
    Favourite Sam Rhodes
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 6:22 PM

    Lovely, just lovely. As a self-employed contract worker I’m making f-all, paying vast levels of tax already which seem to go up massively every year, I’m working what amounts to a zero hours contract, sod all benefits and now I’m being asked to fork out yet more to effectively buy my way in to a system I’ve been contributing to for years anyway. Oh and if I can’t pay no doubt I’ll have the sheriff on the doorstep. The self-employed are not just tradesmen and small business owners, they’re also contractors like me and this idea that we’re all on some kind of gravy train is frankly balls.

    23
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sarah Ferrigan
    Favourite Sarah Ferrigan
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 4:21 PM

    Way to stimulate the economy Joan! We have had to double the term on our mortgage in order to pay USC. Add on all the other new charges and you have a population that cannot fund economic growth.

    I have huge sympathy with the self employed who have been brave enough to create work for themselves and others at a time when or pockets are being emptied and we cannot support them.

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Shane Hartnett
    Favourite Shane Hartnett
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:51 PM

    When pay cuts were being hammered on the public service ISME were supporting it big time,even tough it would eventually take money out of their own pockets when public servants tightened their belts. I have friends with small business an have sympathy but until EVERYONE joins together to stop this rot the cuts and the tariffs will keep happening and we will all whinge away about each other………….Me v you has to stop until that happens they will continue to grind us into the ground.

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Sheila Lynch
    Favourite Sheila Lynch
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 5:03 PM

    They have no idea how the other half live do they. She needs a big Slap and be knocked into our World.

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Adam Hurley
    Favourite Adam Hurley
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:33 PM

    This is from the same ISME that’s been lobbying this govt. and successive ones for years to reduce the minimum wage? Just another vested interest I wouldn’t believe the rosary from them.

    17
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Turlough O' Connor
    Favourite Turlough O' Connor
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 8:57 PM

    Yea….the same sme’s who are paying your wages

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Conor Mac Manus
    Favourite Conor Mac Manus
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 4:23 PM

    This is a good excuse for avoiding paying taxes where possible, but it is disapointing how Fine Gael/ Labour manage to remain so high in opinion poles. I hope the people of Ireland remember all this at the next election. I’m maddened when I get the response “but who else can we vote for” we can vote for anyone else that is not affiliated with the big mafias/ parties, then we can fire their ass if they don’t work out. We can see time and time again when ministers go back on all their election promises, they have all their buddies in government to circle the wagons and back them up making them immune from any comeback..

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gary Keegan
    Favourite Gary Keegan
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 8:59 PM

    As someone that was self employed I would recommend that if you are considering going that route leave Ireland. If things get difficult for you you may forget about government support regardless of how much vat, tax etc you have paid. Poxy country to be a self stater.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mjhint
    Favourite Mjhint
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 6:01 PM

    These are the actions of a failed desperate government in a failed economy. It’s time the people of Ireland looked to solutions outside of government before these politicians, & I mean all of them not just fg lb, cause violence on the streets. There is no way out of this mess only to call a halt to it until someone says we have a solution. I have never heard that being said.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Patrick
    Favourite Patrick
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 6:49 PM

    those who make peaceful revolution impossible make violent revolution inevitable.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ash
    Favourite Ash
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:20 PM

    If they proposed abolishing minimum wage and halving holiday allowances for employees no doubt there would be a big cheer on this page.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jim Brady
    Favourite Jim Brady
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 3:32 PM

    Horrayyyyyyy!

    When?

    13
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Turlough O' Connor
    Favourite Turlough O' Connor
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 9:03 PM

    Gobs….te!!!!!

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fergal McDonagh
    Favourite Fergal McDonagh
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 6:35 PM

    What a dumbass post Ash.

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jim Lenihan
    Favourite Jim Lenihan
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 9:05 PM

    labour will screw some poor people anyway .not the rich

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fergal McDonagh
    Favourite Fergal McDonagh
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 6:45 PM

    Ash. That’s by far the dumbest thing I’ve read all week.

    4
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute richardmccarthy
    Favourite richardmccarthy
    Report
    Sep 7th 2013, 12:03 AM

    Miss Burton and her socialist friends should heed the warnings from the selfemployed if they want to encourage more investment in jobs in this country, the last thing they need right now is another tax grab,because thats just what it is.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Emer Bracken
    Favourite Emer Bracken
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 8:03 PM

    the proposal is to extend further benefits for the self-employed by bringing their contribution into line with employees. What could possibily be wrong with that? Is Mr Fielding seriously suggesting that the self-employed should get the full range of benefits for half the contribution.

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Reg
    Favourite Reg
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 9:55 PM

    I have no problem with equal treatment. Can we have the same tax credits?

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Gifted one
    Favourite Gifted one
    Report
    Sep 7th 2013, 11:05 AM

    Typical! We are really going to see growth in the SME sector with this idea. Another well thought out idea NOT!

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute johnny
    Favourite johnny
    Report
    Sep 6th 2013, 10:35 PM

    Increase in PRSI should see increase in benefits? Unlike the rest of us who get nothing anymore

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds