Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 1262: To ask the Minister for Education and Science the proposals she has to introduce pensions for people who have worked long term as substitute teachers in the primary sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28590/06]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The position is that provision exists for the reckoning for pension purposes of substitute service given as a qualified teacher where that service reaches specific thresholds. This provision applies to substitute service given since 1991. The service may be reckoned following appointment to a permanent teaching post and is subject to the payment of appropriate pension contributions.

Arrangements are currently being made following discussions with the INTO and having regard to recent pension reforms, for the reckonability of substitute service given prior to 1991, whether the teacher was qualified or unqualified at the time the service was given. A circular which will set out the detailed arrangements is in course of preparation and it is expected that it will be issued to schools in the coming months.