Employees do not have to pay PRSI up to an earnings limit of €287 (first €127 only for those employees who earn more than €287) gross per week in the 2005 tax year. Since 6 April 1995, a weekly (non-cumulative) PRSI-Free Allowance applies to employees' social insurance contribution.
This allowance does not apply to the Health Levy and does not affect the employer's contribution. The allowance is at the higher rate (€127) for people in Classes A, E and H and at the lower rate (€26) for people in Classes B, C and D in the 2005 tax year (see current
SW 14 for details).