John Halligan (Waterford, Independent)

The concerns of the teachers' unions are genuine and they should be examined.

Another concern of the teachers' unions relates to young teachers who, on entering the profession, spend several years engaging in part-time and substitute work. When they finally obtain a permanent post, they are obliged to enter onto a long, incremental pay scale. This is despite the fact that they must pay the massive costs relating to the existing pension scheme. In reality, these teachers will only reap the benefits of the new scheme. I am of the view that this is extremely unfair, particularly as these individuals either have been or are on the incremental pay scale to which I refer.

Why is it the case that, under the legislation, new recruits will not be allowed to opt out of the new scheme and make provision for their own pensions on the same basis as private sector workers?

See this speech in context