Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 220: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the position regarding the implementation of the pension scheme for primary school caretakers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24105/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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My Department provides funding towards the cost of caretaking services in primary schools under two separate schemes. One scheme is the 1979 scheme for the employment of full-time caretakers in primary schools, under which my Department meets the full cost of salary. These caretakers are paid directly on my Department's payroll.

I can confirm that my Department has introduced a superannuation scheme for caretakers employed under the 1979 scheme. Deductions have commenced from salaries of eligible personnel with effect from 7 March 2006. The scheme has been introduced with retrospective effect to 1 September 2001 and eligible caretakers will be notified in due course of the arrears of contributions due in respect of the period since 1 September 2001. In accordance with standard public service arrangements, there is provision for reckoning previous service given, subject to payment of appropriate contributions.

Eligible personnel and school authorities were informed of the introduction of the superannuation scheme prior to the commencement of deductions from salaries. A formal circular, setting out further details regarding the superannuation scheme, will issue from the Pensions Unit in my Department as soon as possible.

The 1979 scheme is being phased out as posts become vacant and no new posts are being created. It has been superseded by a more extensive grant scheme now referred to as the Ancillary Services grant. The Ancillary Services grant provides additional per capita funding for primary schools towards the cost of secretarial and caretaking services. The scheme, by its nature, is flexible and gives Boards of Management discretion as to the manner in which secretarial and caretaking services are provided.

The caretakers employed under the Ancillary Services Grant are paid by the managerial authorities of the schools. These personnel can avail of Personal Retirement Savings Accounts (PRSAs) to provide for their retirement.