Written answers

Wednesday, 31 January 2007

Department of Education and Science

Special Educational Needs

8:00 am

Photo of Enda KennyEnda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 1519: To ask the Minister for Education and Science if, further to her Department's decision to admit special needs assistants employed in primary schools to membership of the superannuation scheme, further personnel employed at schools are under consideration for admission to this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1342/07]

Photo of Mary HanafinMary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

In 2006 my Department introduced a contributory superannuation scheme for certain caretakers employed in primary schools. The caretakers concerned are those who are employed under the 1979 Scheme. The superannuation scheme provides that membership will be effective from 1 September 2001 in the case of eligible caretakers in employment at that time.

I should add the 1979 scheme is being phased out. It has been superseded by a more extensive school support grant scheme towards the funding of ancillary services in schools, including caretaking services. The grant scheme, by its nature, is flexible and gives management authorities discretion as to the manner in which caretaking service, among other services, are provided. Staff engaged by schools under the grant system are paid by the management authorities of the schools and are non-pensionable.

Arising from recent pension reforms and in conjunction with the coming into effect of the Protection of Employees (Part-time Work) Act 2001 and the Protection of Employees (Fixed-Term Work) Act 2003 arrangements are being finalized to admit to ongoing pensionability part-time staff whose wholetime comparators have already had access to a pension scheme. In this connection substitute service given by primary teachers will be pensionable on an ongoing basis with effect from 1 September 2001. Pensionability is also being extended to unqualified teachers who are in service on or after 1 September 2001. A circular setting out the detailed arrangements is being prepared and will be issued shortly.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.