John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I thank the Leas-Cheann Comhairle for selecting this topic and I thank the Minister for coming in to hear it. The matter is simple. As everyone is aware, by 29 February next a large number of teachers will have retired because of the changes to be introduced in pension and taxation calculations. I have raised this issue on several occasions previously. If the changes go ahead as scheduled it would create a great deal of confusion and disruption in the classroom, especially for examination classes.

This is especially relevant for those sitting the leaving certificate examination. The changes will come during the final ten to 12 weeks of the school year, the most important part of their education in secondary school. During this time there are mock examinations, oral and practical examinations and the final lead-in to the leaving certificate examination. At that stage, the teacher is not only a teacher, but a mentor for the students and a calming influence. Teachers offer guidance on the crucial areas to revise and suggest areas likely to be examined. This takes place in the final days before the examinations.

If the planned changes go ahead it would represent an impossible task from the student's point of view for any new teacher who might step into the classroom on 1 March to oversee a smooth or seamless transition. I emphasise that I have in mind the student's point of view and this is no reflection on the competence or qualifications of any new teachers that might enter the classroom.

I raise the matter for a second reason. A newspaper report some weeks ago suggested the Minister was considering some way of alleviating this disruption. This has ignited a good deal of confusion, tension and concern on behalf of the students with regard to what will happen in February. I understand there is some time to go but will the Minister confirm, inasmuch as he can at this stage, what will happen in classrooms, especially for leaving certificate students? If there was an indication of what will happen, students could put their minds at ease, know exactly what was happening and be able to concentrate on getting the maximum points in the leaving certificate next June.

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