Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Provision exists for the reckoning of 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.

Revised arrangements for reckoning substitute service for pension purposes arising from recent pension reforms are being finalised. A Circular Letter outlining the detailed arrangements is being prepared and it is expected that it will be issued to schools in the coming months.

Qualified teachers employed in a temporary capacity in primary schools become members of the National Teachers Superannuation Scheme on appointment in that capacity.

The full implications of the Protection of Employees (Fixed Term Work Act, 2003 for qualified temporary and substitute teachers employed on fixed term contracts are the subject of ongoing discussions between officials of my Department, the managerial authorities of schools and the teacher unions.

The principle that applies to temporary and substitute teachers employed on fixed term contracts is the principle of no less favourable treatment during the period of their contract unless objective grounds exist for doing so.

Therefore the sick pay and other entitlements of such teachers during the period of their contract, are as for comparable permanent teachers.